KANKAKEE COUNTY, IL – The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that two tornadoes touched down in Kankakee County on Tuesday afternoon amidst a severe weather outbreak, causing considerable damage, particularly in Manteno and Bonfield. The first tornado was reported near Bonfield, around 12 miles west of Kankakee, shortly before 2 p.m., with a spotter confirming its occurrence through a photograph. A second sighting followed at 2:20 p.m. near Manteno, documented via video by another spotter.
These tornadoes were part of a larger pattern of showers and storms moving east toward northwest Indiana, which continued into the early evening. Strong winds, with speeds ranging between 45 and 55 MPH, and heavy rainfall were forecasted, heightening the alert for potential further damage.
In Manteno, the aftermath was stark, with debris scattered for a mile down the road in the 6000 block of East 9000 North Rd., approximately 4 miles east of Main Street.
The tornado’s force destroyed at least one building and caused significant damage to fencing, sliding equipment, and other debris, tossing them into a nearby cornfield at the wastewater treatment facility. The violent weather also resulted in several downed power poles, leading to temporary power outages for local customers. However, power was quickly restored by ComEd, minimizing the impact on residents.
At 3:05 p.m., the NWS issued a special weather statement for Jasper and Porter counties, warning of the potential for funnel clouds and brief, weak tornadoes. Atmospheric conditions were deemed favorable for such weather phenomena, expected to be short-lived and weak if they occurred.
This event has prompted a concerted response from local authorities and the community, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of such unpredictable and destructive weather patterns.
