Decatur School District 61 Natural Disasters and Weather Extremes
Hot Rankings
The chance of earthquake damage in Decatur School District 61 is lower than Illinois average and is much lower than the national average. The risk of tornado damage in Decatur School District 61 is much higher than Illinois average and is much higher than the national average.
Earthquake Index, #623
| Decatur School District 61 | 0.03 |
| Illinois | 0.24 |
| U.S. | 1.81 |
The earthquake index value is calculated based on historical earthquake events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the earthquake level in a region. A higher earthquake index value means a higher chance of an earthquake.
Volcano Index, #1
| Decatur School District 61 | 0.0000 |
| Illinois | 0.0000 |
| U.S. | 0.0023 |
The volcano index value is calculated based on the currently known volcanoes using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the possibility of a region being affected by a possible volcano eruption. A higher volcano index value means a higher chance of being affected.
Tornado Index, #46
| Decatur School District 61 | 298.46 |
| Illinois | 220.15 |
| U.S. | 136.45 |
The tornado index value is calculated based on historical tornado events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the tornado level in a region. A higher tornado index value means a higher chance of tornado events.
Other Weather Extremes Events
A total of 2,763 other weather extremes events within 50 miles of Decatur School District 61 were recorded from 1950 to 2010. The following is a break down of these events:
| Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count |
| Avalanche: | 0 | Blizzard: | 4 | Cold: | 7 | Dense Fog: | 1 | Drought: | 1 |
| Dust Storm: | 0 | Flood: | 278 | Hail: | 803 | Heat: | 39 | Heavy Snow: | 23 |
| High Surf: | 0 | Hurricane: | 0 | Ice Storm: | 13 | Landslide: | 0 | Strong Wind: | 28 |
| Thunderstorm Winds: | 1,479 | Tropical Storm: | 0 | Wildfire: | 0 | Winter Storm: | 45 | Winter Weather: | 13 |
| Other: | 29 | ||||||||
Volcanos Nearby
No volcano is found in or near Decatur School District 61.
Historical Earthquake Events
No historical earthquake events that had recorded magnitudes of 3.5 or above found in or near Decatur School District 61.
No historical earthquake events found in or near Decatur School District 61.
Historical Tornado Events
A total of 92 historical tornado events that had recorded magnitude of 2 or above found in or near Decatur School District 61.
| Distance (miles) | Date | Magnitude | Start Lat/Log | End Lat/Log | Length | Width | Fatalities | Injuries | Property Damage | Crop Damage | Affected County |
| 2.5 | 1975-11-30 | 2 | 39°50'N / 88°58'W | 39°49'N / 88°51'W | 5.90 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Macon |
| 3.7 | 1978-05-12 | 2 | 39°51'N / 88°57'W | 39°56'N / 88°51'W | 7.60 Miles | 700 Yards | 0 | 3 | 250K | 0 | Macon |
| 5.1 | 1974-04-03 | 3 | 39°43'N / 89°08'W | 39°56'N / 88°56'W | 18.20 Miles | 350 Yards | 1 | 26 | 2.5M | 0 | Macon |
| 5.7 | 1996-04-19 | 3 | 39°49'N / 89°11'W | 39°53'N / 88°55'W | 14.50 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 29 | 9.0M | 0 | Macon |
| Brief Description: A tornado touched down 2 miles south southwest of Niantic and travelled to the east northeast causing extensive damage. It moved into Old Harristown at 727 pm destroying 4 to 5 homes, extensively damaging the remainder of the homes, tore the roof off of the old grade school gymnasium, and destroyed a grain silo. It continued to the east northeast and moved into the westside of Decatur at the intersection of Wyckles and Center Roads after crossing I-72, destroying a church at that intersection, as well as a couple of homes. Then the tornado lifted to tree top level for a short distance till it reached Ravina Park Road. "F3" damage was seen, as the tornado demolished a house in a gully area, then continued to move to the east northeast down Ravina Park Road, causing "F2" damage. The width of the tornado was from 1 1/2 to 2 blocks wide in this area. It then crossed Oakland Avenue, destroying the Sims Lumber Company, and then it lifted to tree top level again. It dropped down again near the intersection of Bloomington Road and Pythan Avenue, causing minor damage before lifting again just east of Morgan Street. The tornado touched down once more at the intersection of Pershing and 27th, causing damage to the roofs of several buildings at a manufacturing plant and damaging the surrounding fences before lifting. Twenty-nine people were injured, two seriously and damage was estimated around $9 million. | |||||||||||
| 6.6 | 1974-04-03 | 3 | 39°56'N / 88°56'W | 39°57'N / 88°53'W | 2.70 Miles | 350 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Macon |
| 9.3 | 1976-03-20 | 4 | 39°48'N / 88°48'W | 39°49'N / 88°45'W | 1.90 Miles | 800 Yards | 0 | 2 | 2.5M | 0 | Macon |
| 9.7 | 1963-04-22 | 3 | 39°51'N / 89°13'W | 39°51'N / 89°02'W | 9.40 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Macon |
| 9.8 | 1951-06-27 | 3 | 39°57'N / 89°10'W | 39°57'N / 88°59'W | 9.60 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 35 | 2.5M | 0 | Logan |
| 11.0 | 2006-04-02 | 2 | 39°41'N / 89°01'W | 39°42'N / 88°55'W | 4.50 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Macon |
| Brief Description: The tornado completely destroyed a large barn, causing debris to be blown more than a mile to the northeast. It also damaged trees and did minor damage to a roof. | |||||||||||
| 14.3 | 1957-03-14 | 2 | 39°58'N / 89°10'W | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Logan | |||
| 18.2 | 1976-03-20 | 4 | 39°49'N / 88°45'W | 39°55'N / 88°27'W | 17.20 Miles | 800 Yards | 0 | 5 | 2.5M | 0 | Piatt |
| 19.1 | 2003-05-30 | 2 | 40°09'N / 89°05'W | 40°06'N / 88°51'W | 12.80 Miles | 1100 Yards | 0 | 4 | 9.3M | 0 | De Witt |
| Brief Description: As the first tornado was weakening on the west side of Hallsville another more significant tornado developed on the east side of town. It quickly intensified to F2 intensity, destroying two homes and causing damage to several others. In one home, a family of four sought shelter in the hallway. They were briefly trapped after the walls collapsed around them, but only sustained minor injuries. The tornado maintained its intensity and traveled to the southeast towards the south side of Clinton. As it approached US 51 numerous homes and businesses were severely damaged. Seven businesses were destroyed. The tornado finally weakened and lifted one mile south of Lane. Numerous trees, power lines and power poles were blown down as well. No other injuries were reported. | |||||||||||
| 19.2 | 1980-04-08 | 2 | 39°38'N / 88°43'W | 0.50 Mile | 60 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Moultrie | |
| 19.2 | 1963-04-22 | 3 | 39°57'N / 88°45'W | 39°58'N / 88°28'W | 15.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Macon |
| 19.3 | 2006-03-12 | 2 | 39°56'N / 89°17'W | 39°58'N / 89°17'W | 3.50 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Logan |
| Brief Description: The tornado tracked from the Logan/Sangamon County line, 6 miles south of Mt. Pulaski, to 3 miles south of Mt. Pulaski. Damage from this tornado included numerous snapped trees and power poles. In addition, 3 or 4 large steel power poles were toppled. No injuries or fatalities were reported. | |||||||||||
| 20.5 | 1975-07-08 | 2 | 39°37'N / 89°11'W | 0.10 Mile | 3 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Christian | |
| 20.9 | 1959-05-11 | 2 | 40°00'N / 88°36'W | 0.10 Mile | 30 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Piatt | |
| 21.2 | 2006-03-12 | 2 | 39°56'N / 89°19'W | 39°59'N / 89°19'W | 2.50 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Logan |
| Brief Description: The tornado touched down 4 miles east of Cornland, and was on the ground for 2.5 miles before lifting 2.5 miles southwest of Mt. Pulaski. The tornado snapped numerous trees and power poles, and a 400 foot microwave tower was toppled. No injuries or fatalities were reported. | |||||||||||
| 22.7 | 1956-04-03 | 2 | 40°06'N / 88°47'W | 40°08'N / 88°36'W | 9.50 Miles | 40 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | De Witt |
| 23.9 | 2001-10-24 | 2 | 40°02'N / 88°35'W | 40°03'N / 88°33'W | 1.80 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.2M | 0 | Piatt |
| Brief Description: An eyewitness reported that the tornado touched down on the southwest side of Monticello and traveled to the north northeast across town. It blew down numerous trees near the golf course then destroyed a storage building. In this area the tornado intensified to F2 Intensity (wind speeds of 120 to 130 mph) taking the roof of a church completely off and blew it into the roof of a nearby 2 story apartment building. The apartment building suffered severe damage and has been deemed uninhabitable. A farm implement building/business, which was close to 200 feet in length, had roughly three quarters of the building destroyed. Damage for this building was estimated at nearly $2 million, as several combines inside were severely damaged or destroyed. Debris from the building was thrown into a nearby power substation, causing a complete power outage to the town of 5,000 residents as well as neighboring communities. The tornado appeared to have lifted off the ground and stayed at tree top level for the remainder of its life through the town producing F0 damage. Numerous trees had the tops broken off and several large trees were uprooted. Once outside of town it did touch down briefly once more, damaging the roof of one home and destroying several outbuildings and a garage of another homestead about a mile north northeast of town. In this location, several 2 inch by 6 inch pieces of lumber from one of the machine sheds had shot through patio doors into the home. No injuries were reported due to the tornado. Damage is estimated around $2.2 million. | |||||||||||
| 24.5 | 2009-08-19 | 3 | 39°58'N / 89°28'W | 40°09'N / 89°10'W | 20.00 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 2 | 7.2M | 1.0M | Logan |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: The tornado moved into Logan county from Sangamon county at 326 PM CST and continued heading northeast. It widened to 1/2 mile at several locations along its path. The tornado destroyed 7 houses and damaged 15 others. Numerous grain bins and outbuildings were also destroyed. Crop losses were extensive along the 20 mile path and were estimated to be around $1 Million. Two people sustained injuries when the shed they were seeking shelter in was destroyed. Wind speeds were estimated at 140 mph as the tornado crossed from Sangamon County, decreasing to 110 to 120 mph as it moved to areas between Lincoln and Mt. Pulaski. The tornado continued northeast before weakening to speeds of 90 to 100 mph, with a width of 50 to 100 yards. The tornado dissipated just east of Beason at 402 PM CST. The path length in Logan County was nearly 20 miles. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A vigorous upper-level disturbance in conjunction with a warm front lifting northward through central Illinois triggered strong to severe thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening of August 19th. Embedded supercells within a long line of storms produced enhanced wind damage and tornadoes. Seven tornadoes touched down on August 19th, affecting parts of Scott, Morgan, Sangamon, Logan, DeWitt, McLean, and Vermilion counties. The strongest tornado was rated as an EF3 by an NWS Storm Survey as it tracked across southern Logan County. Total damages to crops and property from the 7 tornadoes were estimated to be more than $25 Million. | |||||||||||
| 25.0 | 1990-06-02 | 2 | 39°29'N / 88°53'W | 39°32'N / 88°41'W | 8.00 Miles | 600 Yards | 0 | 2 | 2.5M | 0 | Shelby |
| 26.4 | 2006-03-12 | 2 | 39°48'N / 89°32'W | 39°54'N / 89°21'W | 12.50 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | Sangamon |
| Brief Description: The tornado touched down 3.75 miles south of Riverton. It moved northeast, between Dawson and Buffalo (passing 1.5 miles west of Buffalo), and lifted just south of the Logan County line, 5 miles northeast of Buffalo. This tornado started at F0 strength, about 100 yards wide, and quickly strengthened to F2 intensity (120 mph) with a maximum width of 200 yards. It weakened to F1 intensity, and was about 100 yards wide when it ended. Total path was 12.5 miles in length. Damage from this storm consisted of damage to barn buildings and some significant house damage. Power poles were snapped, with major tree damage. 4 injuries were reported, but there were no fatalities | |||||||||||
| 27.3 | 1998-04-07 | 2 | 39°39'N / 88°31'W | 39°39'N / 88°29'W | 3.00 Miles | 40 Yards | 0 | 4 | 100K | 0 | Moultrie |
| Brief Description: A tornado touched down 2 miles south of Cadwell and travelled to the northeast. In Moultrie County it either damaged or destroyed 9 homes, as well as, numerous barns, sheds, silos, and outbuildings. One double-wide mobile home was blown from its foundation. Four people were inside at the time. Three sustained minor injuries while one sustained serious injuries, including a broken back and leg after being thrown 200 yards by the tornado. Another home nearby was moved 3 feet off its foundation. When the tornado moved into Douglas County, it either damaged or destroyed 20 homes, 6 barns, and numerous other outbuildings. Also, 69 power poles were knocked down by the tornado in both counties. In Douglas County, 4 people sustained minor injuries, including one woman whose arm and collar bone were broken. The tornado lifted and dissipated just outside the town of Bourbon. In total, 8 people sustained injuries. In Moultrie County damage is estimated around $100,000. There is no damage estimate available for Douglas County. | |||||||||||
| 28.7 | 2003-05-30 | 2 | 40°12'N / 89°20'W | 40°11'N / 89°10'W | 11.00 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Logan |
| Brief Description: A tornado touched down 4 miles north of the Lincoln Weather Service Office, just southwest of Lawndale (Logan County). It traveled to the southeast blowing down numerous trees, tree limbs, power lines and power poles. It destroyed a mobile home, shoved a two-story house 15 feet off its foundation, destroyed several sheds and barns. Six to seven other homes sustained minor to major damage due to the tornado. It crossed from Logan County into DeWitt County just north of Illinois Route 10 near Beason. No injuries were reported. | |||||||||||
| 28.8 | 1999-06-01 | 2 | 39°22'N / 89°02'W | 39°30'N / 88°47'W | 15.50 Miles | 450 Yards | 0 | 4 | 2.0M | 0 | Shelby |
| Brief Description: A tornado touched down on the east side of Lake Pana in Shelby County. Four homes and one mobile home were destroyed. A woman in the mobile home was injured and hospitalised for a time. A mile northeast near Route 16, several more homes were damaged or destroyed and two people in one of the destroyed homes were injured. Debris was scattered in the nearby fields. For the next four miles, several homes sustained moderate damage, numerous outbuildings and grain bins were either damaged or destroyed, and one woman sustained minor cuts and bruises. As the tornado moved to the northeast into the Westervelt area, numerous trees were blown down, buildings sustained minor damage, and 9 large grain bins were destroyed. The tornado remained on the ground for another 4.5 miles, knocking down trees and power lines before lifting and dissipating 2 miles southwest of Findlay. Damage was estimated around $2 million. | |||||||||||
| 29.0 | 1995-05-09 | 3 | 39°53'N / 89°44'W | 40°13'N / 89°07'W | 40.00 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 6 | 10.0M | 0 | Logan |
| Brief Description: A tornado developed 3 NE of Salisbury and moved northeast lifting 5 NE of Beason in Logan County at 1756 CST. The path width varied from one-quarter to three-quarters of a mile and was on the ground for 40 miles. The tornado caused significant damage in Cantrall (three homes destroyed, 10 had major damage, 11 had minor damage, and the roof and interior of a grade school suffered extensive damage). In the Brookwood Hills Subdivision in Menard County (3 SE Athens), one home was destroyed, one had major damage, 12 homes suffered minor damage, and one farm in the area sustained damage to barns and silos. In Elkhart, 50 to 75 homes were damaged, as well as, several businesses. In Flamingo Heights subdivision (4S of Lincoln), all 23 homes were damaged. Numerous power lines, poles, trees, and a 400 foot cellular tower were blown down. With all of the damage, only six people suffered minor injuries. Preliminary damage estimates were $1 million in Sangamon County, $1 Million in Menard County, and over $8 million in Logan County. | |||||||||||
| 29.2 | 1998-04-07 | 2 | 39°40'N / 88°28'W | 39°45'N / 88°23'W | 8.00 Miles | 170 Yards | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | Douglas |
| Brief Description: A tornado touched down 2 miles south of Cadwell and travelled to the northeast. In Moultrie County it either damaged or destroyed 9 homes, as well as, numerous barns, sheds, silos, and outbuildings. One double-wide mobile home was blown from its foundation. Four people were inside at the time. Three sustained minor injuries while one sustained serious injuries, including a broken back and leg after being thrown 200 yards by the tornado. Another home nearby was moved 3 feet off its foundation. When the tornado moved into Douglas County, it either damaged or destroyed 20 homes, 6 barns, and numerous other outbuildings. Also, 69 power poles were knocked down by the tornado in both counties. In Douglas County, 4 people sustained minor injuries, including one woman whose arm and collar bone were broken. The tornado lifted and dissipated just outside the town of Bourbon. In total, 8 people sustained injuries. In Moultrie County damage is estimated around $100,000. There is no damage estimate available for Douglas County. | |||||||||||
| 30.6 | 1960-06-05 | 2 | 40°03'N / 88°28'W | 39°57'N / 88°20'W | 9.70 Miles | 20 Yards | 0 | 1 | 250K | 0 | Champaign |
| 30.9 | 2009-08-19 | 3 | 39°57'N / 89°33'W | 39°58'N / 89°28'W | 4.00 Miles | 600 Yards | 0 | 17 | 11.0M | 75K | Sangamon |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: The tornado touched down on the west side of Williamsville, just west of I-55, at 319 PM CST. It destroyed an antique mall, damaged the Casey's gas station building and collapsed the canopy over the gas pumps. One person was injured at the mall, while 2 motorcyclists were injured when they were thrown from their bikes. The tornado moved northeast through Williamsville and hit a church, throwing a 2-horse trailer onto the roof and collapsing the roof over half of the building. One person inside the church was injured. The tornado continued through the northern portion of town, causing damage to numerous trees and several homes. Two homes lost their roof and several others lost a portion of their roof. The tornado also caved in the southern end of a metal building, part of an agricultural business on the edge of town. A total of 12 additional people were injured by tornado debris in the town of Williamsville. The width of the tornado through town ranged from 100 to 150 yards. The maximum wind speed of 135 mph (EF2) in Williamsville was determined from the damage to the church. A total of 10 houses were destroyed and 35 houses damaged in Williamsville. A total of six businesses and non-residential properties were destroyed. The tornado continued east-northeast and flattened cornfields, damaged farm outbuildings and machine sheds, and damaged homes, garages, and vehicles on Lester Rd. Two houses were completely destroyed, and four others had extensive damage, as the tornado widened to 600 yards at this point. A 19-month-old baby was injured as the family home was hit by the tornado. The maximum wind speed at this point was estimated at 140 mph (EF3). The tornado continued through fields, causing extensive crop damage, until crossing into Logan County around 326 PM CST. Path length through Sangamon County was 4.5 miles. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A vigorous upper-level disturbance in conjunction with a warm front lifting northward through central Illinois triggered strong to severe thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening of August 19th. Embedded supercells within a long line of storms produced enhanced wind damage and tornadoes. Seven tornadoes touched down on August 19th, affecting parts of Scott, Morgan, Sangamon, Logan, DeWitt, McLean, and Vermilion counties. The strongest tornado was rated as an EF3 by an NWS Storm Survey as it tracked across southern Logan County. Total damages to crops and property from the 7 tornadoes were estimated to be more than $25 Million. | |||||||||||
| 31.2 | 1965-11-12 | 2 | 40°18'N / 88°54'W | 0.30 Mile | 10 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Mclean | |
| 31.2 | 1975-08-14 | 2 | 39°45'N / 89°31'W | 1.00 Mile | 30 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Sangamon | |
| 31.3 | 1963-04-22 | 3 | 39°51'N / 89°51'W | 39°51'N / 89°13'W | 33.50 Miles | 33 Yards | 1 | 5 | 250K | 0 | Sangamon |
| 31.3 | 1964-04-02 | 2 | 39°40'N / 89°32'W | 39°42'N / 89°27'W | 4.50 Miles | 77 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Sangamon |
| 31.8 | 1960-06-04 | 2 | 40°32'N / 89°05'W | 40°03'N / 88°28'W | 46.50 Miles | 20 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Mclean |
| 31.9 | 1953-04-09 | 2 | 40°07'N / 89°27'W | 40°11'N / 89°21'W | 6.50 Miles | 30 Yards | 0 | 3 | 25K | 0 | Logan |
| 32.1 | 1988-05-08 | 2 | 39°45'N / 89°32'W | 0.10 Mile | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Sangamon | |
| 32.3 | 1977-05-05 | 4 | 40°15'N / 89°15'W | 40°16'N / 89°14'W | 0 | 2 | 2.5M | 0 | Logan | ||
| 33.1 | 1976-02-16 | 2 | 39°23'N / 89°05'W | 1.00 Mile | 80 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Christian | |
| 33.4 | 1977-05-05 | 4 | 40°16'N / 89°14'W | 40°20'N / 89°07'W | 7.30 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | De Witt |
| 34.2 | 1951-06-27 | 3 | 40°16'N / 89°28'W | 40°16'N / 89°07'W | 18.20 Miles | 200 Yards | 1 | 15 | 2.5M | 0 | Logan |
| 34.8 | 1963-04-22 | 3 | 39°58'N / 88°28'W | 40°00'N / 88°09'W | 16.80 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 5 | 250K | 0 | Champaign |
| 35.1 | 1980-06-01 | 2 | 39°48'N / 88°17'W | 1.00 Mile | 3 Yards | 0 | 7 | 2.5M | 0 | Douglas | |
| 35.9 | 2006-03-12 | 2 | 39°48'N / 89°39'W | 39°48'N / 89°35'W | 4.00 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Sangamon |
| Brief Description: The tornado touched down about 1/4 mile north of the Bunn Park golf course, and tracked to the northeast. The strongest damage was bounded by 15th Street, Cornell Avenue, South Grand Avenue, and Pope Avenue. Several homes had roofs torn off, with extensive damage to power poles and lines, along with numerous downed trees. The tornado continued to track northeast across Old Rochester Road, Singer Avenue, and Cook Street from White City Blvd. to a block east of Dirksen Parkway. The tornado crossed I-55 at the Clear Lake Avenue interchange, and overturned a semi truck. This tornado dissipated near Old Route 36, about 3/4 mile southwest of the Village of Clear Lake. No injuries or fatalities were reported. | |||||||||||
| 36.3 | 1974-06-06 | 2 | 39°50'N / 88°17'W | 39°52'N / 88°14'W | 3.30 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 3K | 0 | Douglas |
| 36.9 | 1990-06-20 | 2 | 39°55'N / 88°16'W | 39°53'N / 88°14'W | 5.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Champaign |
| 37.6 | 1996-04-19 | 2 | 40°19'N / 89°20'W | 40°20'N / 89°15'W | 4.40 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 0 | 1.0M | 0 | Tazewell |
| Brief Description: A tornado touched down just south of the Logan/Tazewell County line (on 1350E), causing minor damage to three homes. Then the tornado travelled to the northeast, through the south side of Armington, destroying one home as well as several outbuildings. Also, 2 homes sustained major damage and 5 homes sustained minor damage. After moving through the Armington area, the tornado moved into southwestern McLean County. Here it destroyed a church and one home and caused major damage to another home in the area. Also, 8 homes sustained minor damage and numerous barns, outbuildings, grain bins, trees, and farm equipment were either damaged or destroyed. No injuries were reported. Damage was estimated around $15,000 in Logan County, $1 million in Tazewell County, and around $1 million in McLean County. | |||||||||||
| 37.7 | 1977-08-21 | 3 | 39°26'N / 88°39'W | 39°21'N / 88°28'W | 11.20 Miles | 77 Yards | 6 | 56 | 2.5M | 0 | Shelby |
| 38.0 | 1996-04-19 | 3 | 40°21'N / 89°15'W | 40°22'N / 89°11'W | 4.80 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 0 | 1.0M | 0 | Mclean |
| Brief Description: A tornado touched down just south of the Logan/Tazewell County line (on 1350E), causing minor damage to three homes. Then the tornado travelled to the northeast, through the south side of Armington, destroying one home as well as several outbuildings. Also, 2 homes sustained major damage and 5 homes sustained minor damage. After moving through the Armington area, the tornado moved into southwestern McLean County. Here it destroyed a church and one home and caused major damage to another home in the area. Also, 8 homes sustained minor damage and numerous barns, outbuildings, grain bins, trees, and farm equipment were either damaged or destroyed. No injuries were reported. Damage was estimated around $15,000 in Logan County, $1 million in Tazewell County, and around $1 million in McLean County. | |||||||||||
| 38.4 | 1974-03-29 | 2 | 39°29'N / 88°24'W | 0 | 1 | 250K | 0 | Coles | |||
| 38.4 | 1960-06-23 | 2 | 39°59'N / 88°16'W | 39°57'N / 88°12'W | 3.80 Miles | 800 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Champaign |
| 38.5 | 1957-06-14 | 4 | 39°45'N / 89°42'W | 39°46'N / 89°37'W | 4.30 Miles | 220 Yards | 2 | 50 | 2.5M | 0 | Sangamon |
| 39.2 | 1985-03-28 | 2 | 40°17'N / 89°29'W | 40°16'N / 89°23'W | 4.50 Miles | 800 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Logan |
| 39.4 | 1961-03-06 | 2 | 39°48'N / 88°17'W | 39°53'N / 88°07'W | 10.30 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 2 | 250K | 0 | Douglas |
| 39.4 | 1990-06-20 | 2 | 39°53'N / 88°14'W | 39°52'N / 88°10'W | 3.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Douglas |
| 39.9 | 2000-05-08 | 2 | 40°25'N / 88°54'W | 40°26'N / 88°50'W | 4.00 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 4 | 175K | 0 | Mclean |
| Brief Description: A tornado touched down half a mile north of Shamrock. It traveled east northeast causing minor to moderate damage to several machine sheds and barns. The most severe damage was to a two story house 2 miles north northwest of Downs. The 3 to 5 year old house sustained major damage with the roof lifted off and two exterior walls caved in. Four family members sustained minor cuts and bruises. A neighbor's house sustained minor damage, mainly due to flying debris from the destroyed home. | |||||||||||
| 40.0 | 1976-03-20 | 3 | 39°28'N / 89°32'W | 39°29'N / 89°30'W | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Christian | ||
| 40.1 | 1998-03-28 | 2 | 39°28'N / 88°23'W | 39°29'N / 88°21'W | 1.50 Miles | 220 Yards | 0 | 3 | 3.0M | 0 | Coles |
| Brief Description: A tornado touched down 1 mile southwest of Mattoon and travelled to the northeast. It damaged 4 homes in the initial touchdown area and then crossed a set of railroad tracks turning over 4 empty 30-ton coal cars. After crossing the railroad tracks, the tornado hit a self-storage facility, where six of the ten buildings in the complex were destroyed. The tin and steel girder buildings were not bolted down to the cement slabs, so they were lifted up, "wadded up" into a big pile, and deposited downstream about 200 yards. Further to the northeast, it damaged or destroyed numerous homes and businesses before lifting. It remained aloft for several blocks, then touched down again, tearing off treetops and damaging several roofs in the area. It lifted again and touched down a final time about a block away. Damage in this area was to tree tops and roofs. Overall, the tornado was on the ground for 1.5 miles and it either damaged or destroyed 120 homes and businesses. Damage is estimated between $2.5 and $3 million. Two people sustained minor injuries and one 9 year old child was seriously injured when a picture frame blew off the wall, hit her in the back, and cut her, causing her left lung to partially collapse. | |||||||||||
| 40.9 | 1964-04-02 | 2 | 39°26'N / 89°31'W | 39°27'N / 89°29'W | 1.30 Miles | 20 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Christian |
| 41.0 | 1976-03-20 | 4 | 39°55'N / 88°27'W | 40°07'N / 87°57'W | 29.70 Miles | 800 Yards | 0 | 11 | 2.5M | 0 | Champaign |
| 41.5 | 1996-04-19 | 3 | 40°04'N / 88°15'W | 40°05'N / 88°11'W | 4.00 Miles | 220 Yards | 0 | 12 | 9.0M | 0 | Champaign |
| Brief Description: A tornado briefly touched down 1 mile north of Savoy (near Rt. 45 and Curtis Road) and destroyed 3 homes under construction. Then the tornado lifted, travelled to the northeast, and touched down again 1 mile south of Urbana. The tornado destroyed 30 homes, caused moderate damage to 29 homes and one business, and minor damage to 54 homes and 4 businesses. Twelve people were injured and damage was estimated between $7 and $11 million. | |||||||||||
| 41.7 | 1974-04-03 | 3 | 39°59'N / 88°14'W | 40°02'N / 88°08'W | 5.90 Miles | 70 Yards | 1 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Champaign |
| 41.9 | 1977-08-06 | 3 | 39°38'N / 89°43'W | 39°41'N / 89°40'W | 4.10 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Sangamon |
| 42.2 | 1967-01-24 | 2 | 40°05'N / 88°19'W | 40°09'N / 88°08'W | 10.40 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 5 | 25K | 0 | Champaign |
| 43.2 | 1960-06-05 | 2 | 40°21'N / 88°31'W | 40°19'N / 88°20'W | 9.60 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Mclean |
| 43.6 | 1964-04-02 | 2 | 39°25'N / 89°35'W | 39°26'N / 89°31'W | 3.60 Miles | 20 Yards | 0 | 4 | 25K | 0 | Montgomery |
| 43.7 | 1951-11-13 | 2 | 40°12'N / 89°43'W | 40°36'N / 88°59'W | 47.40 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Mason |
| 44.9 | 2006-04-02 | 2 | 39°09'N / 89°29'W | 39°22'N / 89°06'W | 20.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Montgomery |
| Brief Description: A tornado first formed on the south side of Hillsboro where it caused a narrow path of sign and window damage at a car dealership and two gasoline stations, and blew metal sheeting into nearby trees at a home improvement store. It then destroyed barns one mile southeast of Irving and 2 miles south of Witt. The barn damage south of Witt was rated F1. The tornado then destroyed a metal shed 3 miles south of Nokomis and lofted the sheet metal up to a mile downstream. It also caused minor damage to a grain bin on a farm about three miles southeast of Nokomis. It then caused major damage to a machine shed three miles east of Nokomis where the sheet metal was blown one half mile downstream. The tornado then intensified to nearly 200 yards wide where it toppled and destroyed two high tension electric power line towers about 5 miles east of Nokomis. The damage was rated low end F2. The tornado then weakened and destroyed another grain bin and caused minor damage before dissipating near the Shelby County line. | |||||||||||
| 44.9 | 1968-05-15 | 3 | 40°17'N / 89°36'W | 40°17'N / 89°33'W | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Logan | ||
| 44.9 | 1976-03-20 | 3 | 39°25'N / 89°40'W | 39°26'N / 89°30'W | 8.80 Miles | 27 Yards | 0 | 4 | 250K | 0 | Montgomery |
| 45.1 | 1974-08-10 | 2 | 39°35'N / 88°10'W | 0 | 0 | 3K | 0 | Coles | |||
| 45.3 | 1963-04-22 | 3 | 39°48'N / 88°16'W | 39°48'N / 87°55'W | 18.40 Miles | 1600 Yards | 0 | 20 | 25K | 0 | Douglas |
| 45.3 | 1974-08-10 | 3 | 39°33'N / 88°11'W | 0 | 0 | 3K | 0 | Coles | |||
| 45.5 | 1960-05-06 | 2 | 39°30'N / 88°18'W | 39°42'N / 88°00'W | 20.90 Miles | 130 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Coles |
| 46.4 | 1960-06-23 | 2 | 39°54'N / 90°00'W | 39°43'N / 89°38'W | 23.10 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Sangamon |
| 46.5 | 1986-09-29 | 2 | 40°25'N / 89°25'W | 2.00 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Tazewell | |
| 46.5 | 2006-03-12 | 2 | 39°41'N / 89°58'W | 39°48'N / 89°39'W | 20.50 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 19 | 0 | 0 | Sangamon |
| Brief Description: Continuation of Morgan county tornado. The total path length of the tornado was about 65.5 miles, including a 45.0 mile path across the WFO Central Illinois service area. Damage from the storm over Scott, Morgan and rural Sangamon counties consisted of the snapping of power poles and major tree damage, either ripped up or uprooted. Numerous farm buildings (both Morton type buildings and barns) were damaged or destroyed, as were numerous grain bins. One mobile home was destroyed. This long track tornado moved into the city of Springfield before dissipating. The tornado crossed Interstate 72 near mile marker 92, around 8:20 PM. It entered the city of Springfield near Cockrell Lane and Constitution Drive, tracking to the east-northeast around 50 mph. The tornado was about 300 yards wide, and produced F2 damage to several businesses from Constitution Drive, through Parkway Pointe, to Veterans Parkway and Lindbergh Blvd. The tornado widened to about 0.4 mile wide as it continued to track east-northeast south of Wabash Avenue, between Veterans Parkway and Chatham Road. The tornado widened further, to just over 1/2 mile wide from Westchester Blvd to the village of Jerome. The damage was rated as F2 along Wabash Avenue, between Chatham Road and MacArthur Blvd. The tornado then weakened slightly, producing F1 damage, as it turned to the northeast, nearly parallel with the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks. The damage path remained nearly 1/2 mile wide. The width of the tornado decreased to about 1/4 mile wide as it strengthened again, and turned to the north-northeast near Iles Park and in the vicinity of Oak and Myrtle Streets, between 6th and 9th Streets. The damage was rated as F2 in these locations, with roofs blown off of homes and businesses, and garages severely damaged. This tornado dissipated just north of 9th Street and South Grand Avenue. 1 injury was reported in Morgan county, with 19 injuries reported in Sangamon county. No fatalities were reported. | |||||||||||
| 46.7 | 1955-10-06 | 2 | 39°16'N / 88°30'W | 1.00 Mile | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 3K | 0 | Shelby | |
| 46.8 | 1957-03-14 | 2 | 40°12'N / 89°42'W | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Mason | |||
| 47.0 | 1978-05-12 | 2 | 39°25'N / 89°42'W | 39°29'N / 89°37'W | 6.20 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Montgomery |
| 47.3 | 2009-08-19 | 2 | 39°39'N / 89°57'W | 39°43'N / 89°40'W | 16.00 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 3 | 4.0M | 330K | Sangamon |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: The tornado crossed into Sangamon County from Morgan County at 151 PM CST, then continued northeastward through the town of Loami before lifting 1.5 miles northwest of Chatham at 208 PM CST. In Loami, 13 homes were destroyed and 19 homes were severely damaged. In addition, the tornado produced damage to several homes, farm machinery sheds, trees, and crops along the remainder of its path. Three people sustained minor injuries from flying or falling debris in Loami. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A vigorous upper-level disturbance in conjunction with a warm front lifting northward through central Illinois triggered strong to severe thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening of August 19th. Embedded supercells within a long line of storms produced enhanced wind damage and tornadoes. Seven tornadoes touched down on August 19th, affecting parts of Scott, Morgan, Sangamon, Logan, DeWitt, McLean, and Vermilion counties. The strongest tornado was rated as an EF3 by an NWS Storm Survey as it tracked across southern Logan County. Total damages to crops and property from the 7 tornadoes were estimated to be more than $25 Million. | |||||||||||
| 47.6 | 2010-12-31 | 3 | 39°58'N / 89°51'W | 40°00'N / 89°48'W | 4.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 1 | 12.0M | 0K | Menard |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: A tornado touched down on the west side of Lake Petersburg at 12:37 PM CST, then tracked northeast over the lake and across Sunny Acres Road, before lifting southeast of the intersection of Tice Road and Illinois 123 at 12:40 PM CST. A total of 29 homes sustained significant structural damage, four of which could not be repaired. Two barns were also destroyed, and nearly 100 houses and a nursing home had minor damage along the path of the tornado. One person was seriously injured when the tornado caused a large tree limb to fall on their automobile, crushing the car and trapping the occupant. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A strong cold front pushed across central Illinois on December 31st, triggering a line of strong to severe thunderstorms. Unseasonably warm and moist air ahead of the front aided in initial storm development, while a strong upper-level disturbance created a highly sheared environment. One of the resulting supercell thunderstorms produced an EF3 tornado that tracked across the Lake Petersburg area in Menard County, creating considerable damage. | |||||||||||
| 47.9 | 1999-06-01 | 3 | 39°19'N / 89°40'W | 39°26'N / 89°32'W | 10.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | Montgomery |
| Brief Description: A tornado first formed about 1 mile southwest of I-55 west of Raymond. The tornado moved northeast hitting a rest area along I-55. Six tractor-trailer trucks were overturned at the rest area, killing one driver and injuring 4 others. Two other trucks were also overturned just north of the rest area. The tornado continued northeast and intensified causing damage at two farms. Numerous barns and other outbuildings were destroyed and one house severely damaged. The occupant of the house escape injury by taking shelter in an interior closet. M54VE | |||||||||||
| 48.1 | 1962-05-26 | 2 | 39°53'N / 89°51'W | 0 | 0 | 3K | 0 | Sangamon | |||
| 48.2 | 1965-09-14 | 2 | 40°28'N / 88°34'W | 40°28'N / 88°28'W | 4.90 Miles | 77 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Mclean |
| 48.9 | 1973-06-04 | 2 | 39°32'N / 89°46'W | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Morgan | |||
| 49.3 | 1982-08-24 | 2 | 40°31'N / 88°53'W | 40°33'N / 88°28'W | 18.00 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Mclean |
| 49.3 | 1977-08-06 | 2 | 39°37'N / 89°51'W | 39°38'N / 89°48'W | 2.30 Miles | 350 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Sangamon |
| 49.7 | 1960-06-22 | 2 | 39°10'N / 88°39'W | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Effingham | |||
| 49.7 | 1968-05-15 | 3 | 40°14'N / 89°50'W | 40°17'N / 89°36'W | 12.60 Miles | 600 Yards | 0 | 25 | 2.5M | 0 | Mason |
| 49.9 | 1977-08-21 | 3 | 39°21'N / 88°28'W | 39°15'N / 88°12'W | 15.70 Miles | 77 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Cumberland |
| 50.0 | 1990-05-09 | 2 | 39°30'N / 89°46'W | 0.20 Mile | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Macoupin | |
* The information on this page is based on the global volcano database, the U.S. earthquake database of 1638-1985, and the U.S. Tornado and Weather Extremes database of 1950-2010.