CHICAGO, IL – The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed 20 total tornadoes across the coverage area, with 14 touching down in Northern Illinois, including one in Belvidere where a roof collapse at the Apollo Theater left one person dead. Meanwhile, six tornadoes hit Central Illinois, including the towns of Sherman and Rantoul.
In Sangamon County, an EF-2 tornado with wind speeds of 130 mph and a path length of 5.5 miles struck Sherman. It caused damage to two houses and two outbuildings before crossing I-55. The tornado continued northeast, damaging two large barns at a horse farm before dissipating.
In Champaign County, a tornado with winds of 110 mph and a path length of 11.2 miles hit Rantoul, dissipating shortly after crossing I-57. The tornado produced EF-1 damage at a business on US-136 between Fisher and Rantoul and struck vehicles on I-57.
The remaining tornadoes are as follows:
- Near Banner in Tazewell County – No damage was reported.
- Montgomery near Orchard Rd – EF-0 tornado
- Plainfield along 135th Street – EF-0 tornado
- Chapin in Morgan County – No notable damage was reported
- Wellington in Iroquois County – EF-1 tornado
- Stockland in Iroquois County – EF-1 tornado
- Lombard to Addison – EF-1 tornado
- Oxford in Indiana – EF-2 tornado
- Fowler in Indiana – EF-2 tornado
- Near Remington in Indiana – EF-1 tornado
- West/Southwest of Baileyville in Ogle County – No intensity rating assigned
- Near Caledonia in Boone County – No intensity rating assigned
- Ogle, Winnebago and Boone counties – An EF-1 tornado that caused the roof to collapse in Belvidere
The NWS has stated that the numbers are subject to change. The tornado outbreak caused damage to several houses and outbuildings, with numerous homes having severe roof and siding damage. Minor damage was also noted in rural areas, with sheet metal from outbuildings strewn into open fields.
The NWS has urged residents in the Chicago and Springfield areas to stay vigilant and take precautions during tornado season. Tornadoes can develop quickly, and it’s essential to have a plan in place and stay informed about weather conditions.
Residents are advised to seek shelter immediately in a basement or an interior room on the lowest level of their home if a tornado warning is issued. Stay away from windows, and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands to protect yourself from debris.
The NWS will continue to assess the damage and provide updates as needed. Stay tuned to local news sources and weather reports for the latest information.
