Severe storms hit central Illinois on Wednesday, June 18, causing major damage across several counties. The storms, which spawned 11 confirmed tornadoes, left a trail of destruction from Morgan County to McLean County.
Despite the severe weather, there were no reported fatalities, but the storms caused widespread damage, including tree destruction, power outages, and structural harm.
Tornado Details and Impact
The National Weather Service in Lincoln reported that the most powerful tornado touched down near Literberry in Morgan County, rated as an EF-2 tornado. This tornado reached wind speeds of up to 125 mph and carved a 6.7-mile-long path of destruction.
Additionally, EF-1 tornadoes were confirmed in areas like Lynnville, northwest Jacksonville, and Pleasant Plains, with winds topping 110 mph near Petersburg.
Although these storms brought significant damage, no lives were lost. However, affected areas such as Ashland, South Jacksonville, and Mason City experienced severe damage. Downed trees and power lines, along with impacted buildings, have caused a challenging cleanup effort.
EF-U Tornadoes and Uncertainty
In Bellflower and Hopedale, brief tornado touchdowns occurred, classified as EF-U. This classification means that the tornadoes’ intensity was indeterminate, but they still raised concerns among residents due to the potential risk they posed.
Continued Risks and Recovery Efforts
Emergency management officials are advising residents to review emergency shelter plans and remain alert for possible severe weather as the weekend approaches.
Cleanup efforts are already underway across the affected counties, but downed power lines and debris continue to pose hazards in several areas.
While the immediate danger has passed, more updates are expected as additional storm surveys are conducted. Further tornado paths may be identified, and there is a chance that tornado ratings could be updated based on new findings.
The severe storms that swept through central Illinois on June 18 caused significant damage but fortunately no fatalities. With widespread tornadoes, high winds, and structural damage, residents are urged to stay alert for continued risks and to follow safety guidelines as recovery efforts continue across the region.
