On Wednesday, a major outbreak of severe weather affected Illinois, with several tornadoes touching down, causing widespread damage.
Communities from Springfield to Champaign experienced the effects, including fallen trees, power outages, and emergency response efforts.
Tornado Touchdowns Across Illinois
By the afternoon, Illinois had reported as many as 10 tornadoes, with the National Weather Service still in the process of confirming these events. Trained weather spotters and radar signatures identified tornado activity across at least eight counties.
Some of the worst-hit areas included Jacksonville, Literberry, and Philadelphia, where two tornadoes were reported. Another tornado was spotted near Mason City, located between Peoria and Springfield.
Four other tornadoes struck near Delavan, Minier, Mackinaw, and Farmer City around 2 p.m. A separate tornado near Rantoul, north of Champaign, caused significant damage by bringing down trees and power lines.
Power Outages and Road Closures in Urbana
Power outages affected several areas, especially in central Illinois. These outages caused significant disruptions as numerous neighborhoods were left without electricity.
In Urbana, fallen branches and utility wires blocked many roads. Local crews have been working hard to clear the debris, and residents have been asked to report any damage to the city’s public works department via email.
Widespread Damage in Indiana
The storms didn’t stop in Illinois. As the weather system moved eastward, Putnam County in Indiana also faced heavy tree damage. A dramatic moment was captured on dashcam footage when a tree collapsed across State Road 243, shortly after emergency crews arrived to clear earlier debris.
Warnings and Watches Remain in Effect
Although no major injuries or structural damage have been confirmed so far, tornado warnings remain active in areas east of Springfield and near Decatur. A tornado watch is in effect until 7 p.m. for counties including Grundy, Will, and Kankakee in Illinois, as well as northwest Indiana.
The Storm Prediction Center has identified an “enhanced risk” for further severe weather, including the potential for damaging winds, hail, and flash flooding.
