Alert archive / Illinois / Tornado Warnings in 2026

Tornado Warning 24, NWS Quad Cities, IA

April 15, 2026Jo Daviess County, Stephenson County, Illinois

NWS Quad Cities, IA issued this tornado warning at Apr 15, 2026, 6:05 PM CDT for Jo Daviess County, Stephenson County, Illinois. It was in force for 40 min. 2 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Apr 15, 2026, 6:05 PM CDT (23:05 UTC)
Expired
Apr 15, 2026, 6:45 PM CDT
In force
40 min
Issued by
NWS Quad Cities, IA
Area
Storm-based polygon
Tornado
Radar indicated
Hail
1.0 in

Counties Jo Daviess County, IL, Stephenson County, IL

The radar

The Quad Cities radar (KDVN), 99 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 23:08 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Apr 15, 6:19 PM CDTFUNNEL CLOUD2 S Nora, IL
Apr 15, 6:50 PM CDTHAIL 1Nora, IL

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this tornado warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The watch it was issued in

The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
Apr 15, 3:40 PM CDTTornado WatchSPC6 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Lincoln, IL (KILX), launched 12:00Z, 11.1 hours before the alert went out and 276 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Lincoln, IL at 12:00Z on 2026-04-15Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 534 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Lincoln, IL at 12:00Z on 2026-04-15The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -28 square meters per square second.19395878Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
534 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-62 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
925 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
43 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-28 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
81 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
-0.1
Supercell composite
-0.4

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

673 
WFUS53 KDVN 152305
TORDVN
ILC085-177-152345-
/O.NEW.KDVN.TO.W.0024.260415T2305Z-260415T2345Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA/IL
605 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

The National Weather Service in the Quad Cities has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  Northeastern Jo Daviess County in northwestern Illinois...
  Northwestern Stephenson County in northwestern Illinois...

* Until 645 PM CDT.

* At 604 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
  was located near Woodbine, or 17 miles east of Galena, moving
  northeast at 25 mph.

  HAZARD...Tornado and quarter size hail.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

  IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without 
           shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. 
           Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree 
           damage is likely.

* This dangerous storm will be near...
  Stockton, Warren, Nora, Apple River Canyon State Park, and Jo 
  Daviess County Fairgrounds around 610 PM CDT.
  Waddams Grove around 615 PM CDT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 4231 9007 4233 9017 4251 9008 4250 8966
TIME...MOT...LOC 2304Z 243DEG 22KT 4236 9009 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN

$$

Friedlein
4 follow-up statements
460 
WWUS53 KDVN 152314
SVSDVN

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA/IL
614 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

ILC085-177-152345-
/O.CON.KDVN.TO.W.0024.000000T0000Z-260415T2345Z/
Jo Daviess IL-Stephenson IL-
614 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 645 PM CDT FOR
NORTHEASTERN JO DAVIESS AND NORTHWESTERN STEPHENSON COUNTIES...

At 614 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado 
was located 2 miles north of Stockton, or 18 miles west of Freeport, 
moving northeast at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and half dollar size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without 
         shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage 
         to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree damage is 
         likely.

This dangerous storm will be near...
  Warren, Winslow, Nora, Waddams Grove, and Jo Daviess County 
  Fairgrounds around 620 PM CDT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 4235 8999 4239 9014 4251 9008 4250 8966
TIME...MOT...LOC 2314Z 244DEG 27KT 4239 8999 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.25 IN

$$

Friedlein
823 
WWUS53 KDVN 152325
SVSDVN

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA/IL
625 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

ILC085-177-152345-
/O.CON.KDVN.TO.W.0024.000000T0000Z-260415T2345Z/
Jo Daviess IL-Stephenson IL-
625 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 645 PM CDT FOR
NORTHEASTERN JO DAVIESS AND NORTHWESTERN STEPHENSON COUNTIES...

At 624 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado 
was located 4 miles west of Waddams Grove, or 15 miles northwest of 
Freeport, moving northeast at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and half dollar size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without 
         shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage 
         to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree damage is 
         likely.

This dangerous storm will be near...
  Winslow around 630 PM CDT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 4235 8999 4242 9013 4247 9010 4251 9004
      4250 8966
TIME...MOT...LOC 2324Z 244DEG 27KT 4243 8990 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.25 IN

$$

Friedlein
403 
WWUS53 KDVN 152335
SVSDVN

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA/IL
635 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

ILC085-177-152345-
/O.CON.KDVN.TO.W.0024.000000T0000Z-260415T2345Z/
Jo Daviess IL-Stephenson IL-
635 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 645 PM CDT FOR
NORTHEASTERN JO DAVIESS AND NORTHWESTERN STEPHENSON COUNTIES...

At 634 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado 
was located 2 miles south of Winslow, or 12 miles southwest of 
Monroe, moving northeast at 25 mph. This storm has produced a funnel 
cloud in northwest Stephenson County.

HAZARD...Tornado and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without 
         shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage 
         to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree damage is 
         likely.

This dangerous storm will be near...
  Winslow around 640 PM CDT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 4240 8989 4245 9006 4251 8994 4250 8966
TIME...MOT...LOC 2334Z 242DEG 23KT 4246 8981 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN

$$

Friedlein
486 
WWUS53 KDVN 152346
SVSDVN

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA/IL
646 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

ILC085-177-152356-
/O.EXP.KDVN.TO.W.0024.000000T0000Z-260415T2345Z/
Jo Daviess IL-Stephenson IL-
646 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN JO DAVIESS AND NORTHWESTERN
STEPHENSON COUNTIES HAS EXPIRED...

The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area.
Therefore, the warning has been allowed to expire.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 900 PM CDT for northwestern
Illinois.

&&

LAT...LON 4240 8989 4245 9006 4251 8994 4250 8966
TIME...MOT...LOC 2346Z 243DEG 22KT 4249 8973 

$$

Friedlein

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this tornado warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Quad Cities, IA wrote its last area forecast discussion before this tornado warning went out at Apr 15, 1:51 PM CDT, 4 hours 14 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Isolated-scattered showers/storms are expected through the afternoon, with a line of strong/severe storms set to come through this evening. Severe weather is possible, with a Slight Risk (level 2/5) for severe weather.
  • A seasonally strong storm system will impact our area Friday afternoon and evening, where the SPC has highlighted much of our area in an Enhanced Risk (level 3/5) for severe weather.
  • Much cooler airmass moves in this weekend behind a cold front, bringing unseasonally cool temperatures back to the area. Temperatures in the 30s through the nighttime hours will bring the potential for frost/freeze, especially in our north.
Area forecast discussion, Apr 15, 1:51 PM CDT, 4 hours 14 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
151 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Isolated-scattered showers/storms are expected through the
  afternoon, with a line of strong/severe storms set to come
  through this evening. Severe weather is possible, with a
  Slight Risk (level 2/5) for severe weather.

- A seasonally strong storm system will impact our area Friday
  afternoon and evening, where the SPC has highlighted much of
  our area in an Enhanced Risk (level 3/5) for severe weather.

- Much cooler airmass moves in this weekend behind a cold front,
  bringing unseasonally cool temperatures back to the area.
  Temperatures in the 30s through the nighttime hours will bring
  the potential for frost/freeze, especially in our north.

&&

.SHORT TERM /THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT/...
Issued at 126 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

Seasonally strong shortwave trof currently located over central
Nebraska will continue to track east through Iowa this
afternoon/evening. A surface low pressure will pass southwest to
northeast just northwest of our area, dragging a cold front through
our area this evening/tonight. While we already have ongoing showers
and storms, we are expecting another round of storms as the cold
front moves through the area this evening/tonight. Ahead of that, we
will have a stationary/warm front draped over the area, which will
be another focus for convective initiation ahead of the main line of
convection. This is currently located between the Highway 30 and
Highway 34 corridors. Thus, a few rounds of storms are expected
today, where flash flooding is possible. A Flood Watch remains for
those areas at greatest risk, owing to heavy rainfall yesterday. The
SPC has our whole area outlooked in a Slight Risk (level 2/5) for
severe weather today, where our best chances for severe weather
will be with the line of storms progged to come through with
the cold front this evening. Isolated severe storms are possible
ahead of this through the afternoon, but confidence is low on
coverage and severity.

Looking at model soundings, we can expect another day of mixed-mode
convection. Early-Mid afternoon, we are likely to continue to see
scattered showers and storms. Given a lot of cloud cover and higher
coverage of showers/storms in our north, the severe threat
should remain relatively low into mid-afternoon. Although, areas
south of Interstate 80 will have seen more sun peeking through,
which has allowed more instability to build. Thus, there will
be a little more of a severe threat in our south, generally in
the form of semi- discrete supercells. Confidence is low on this
at this time, but will further get monitored for the potential
through mesoscale analysis this afternoon. This convection will
generally be seen between the hours of 12-4 PM. Going into late
afternoon and evening, we will see a line (possibly disconnected
line of supercells) moving into our area from west to east,
with some leading semi-discrete cells as well. The leading cells
could be supercellular, which are currently looking to develop
between the Highway 30 and Highway 34 corridors. These
supercells may form just ahead of the line, generally between
4-6 PM, and then get absorbed into the main line. As we get
towards the evening hours, the aforementioned line (QLCS- like
with embedded supercells) will move through the area from west
to east. Timing-Wise, this is expected to move into our west
around 5-7 PM, and move out of our area by midnight local time.
The best severe threat will be in the late afternoon/evening
hours, but gradually decreasing after sunset.

Now a look into the environment in place. The AM convection and
resultant cloud cover has delayed our surface heating a bit, but
clearing skies have been seen. This may limit the overall
instability, but will still be sufficient. We are still looking at
the potential for CAPE around 2000-3000+, collocated with shear
around 50-60+ KTs, with little/no cap seen in forecast soundings.
Thus, we have the necessary CAPE/Shear balance to favor supercells
today. Although, with strong forcing moving in this afternoon and
evening, upscale growth is expected. As was mentioned, this could be
in the form of a disconnected line with embedded supercells. Lapse
rates are once again favorable for hail in the midlevels, collocated
with a fat CAPE profile in the hail growth layer. SPC highlights
parts of our area in the potential for significant hail (2"+), which
is possible. Otherwise, all hazards are in play today, with the
primary threat being winds and embedded tornadoes when the line of
convection comes through this evening. We are especially
focusing on counties along the Interstate 80 corridor, as this
is generally where the stalled out boundary will be. This will
serve as a focus point for severe weather (some significant
severe weather possible), with the increased tornado threat.

Tonight and through Thursday, weak ridging moves in, with a surface
high pressure quickly passing through. Thus, after any residual
showers move out Thursday AM, we should remain dry for the remainder
of the day. Clouds will also decrease through the day, with light
winds and temperatures increasing into the mid-upper 70s. Thus, we
are in for a beautiful day.

&&

.LONG TERM /FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
Issued at 126 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

Friday will be another day of concern, as a potent shortwave tracks
off of the Rockies and towards the Upper Midwest. This wave will
develop a seasonally strong low pressure system, progged to drag a
strong cold front through the area. Ahead of this, we will have an
environment favorable for organized convection that can become
strong to severe. Uncertainty remains with regards to timing, which
can lead to impacts on the overall severe threat. Guidance has been
hinting at this moving through Friday evening/night. Ahead of that,
we will see a mix of clouds/sun, which will help build instability.
According to model soundings, we may have CAPE values upwards
to 2000-3000+, with shear around 35-45 KTs. The shear is a
little lower than we have seen with the recent events, but
sufficient for organized convection. Although, this would lead
me to believe that we will largely be dealing with a line of
strong/severe convection, but some initial isolated-scattered
storms cannot be ruled out. More details are to come, as more
short term hi-res CAMs start rolling in over the next 24-36
hours. The SPC has highlighted much of our area in an Enhanced
Risk (level 3/5) for severe weather, with a Slight Risk (level
2/5) for areas east of the Mississippi River. Continue to
monitor the forecast for future updates.

This weekend, upper level flow becomes northwesterly behind the
aforementioned shortwave. Modest cold advection will kick in,
bringing much cooler air to the area. Daytime temperatures are set
to be in the upper 40s to 50s through the weekend, which is quite
the change to the 70s and 80s we have been seeing. Overnight lows
will be in the 30s, with areas north of Interstate 80 seeing lows
approaching freezing. Thus, our north will have the chance to
see a frost/freeze during this timeframe. Although, confidence
is lower on this now, as temperatures have trended upwards a few
degrees since the last forecast package. Dry conditions are
expected through the weekend, with mostly clear skies. While
cooler, it should be a relatively pleasant weekend.

Going into next week, it looks like the upper level pattern becomes
active again. There remains many differences amongst guidance, but
precipitation chances return to the area by midweek, along
with increasing temperatures.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z THURSDAY/...
Issued at 1238 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

The main focus of this TAF issuance is on the shower and
thunderstorm potential this afternoon and evening. The first
wave of showers and a couple lightning strikes are lifting
northeastward and are expected to pass out of the TAF sites in
the next couple hours. Another line of storms is expected to
develop around or after 22Z, then traverse the TAF sites through
about 04Z. Tried to adjust the timing a bit with the latest
guidance to start/end the storm potential from west to east.
MVFR ceilings and visibilities are possible with any storm that
develops with visibilities possibly dropping lower in heavier
precipitation. Erratic wind gusts may exceed 35-30kts as the
main line of storms passes through the TAF sites. Conditions
will improve from west to east after overnight into Thursday
morning.

&&

.DVN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
IA...Flood Watch until midnight CDT tonight for IAZ040>042-051>054.
IL...Flood Watch until midnight CDT tonight for ILZ001-002-007.
MO...None.

&&

SHORT TERM...Gunkel
LONG TERM...Gunkel
AVIATION...Cousins
Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 15, 4:23 AM CDT, 13 hours 42 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
423 AM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

IAZ040>042-051>054-063>068-076>078-087>089-098-099-ILZ001-002-007-
009-015>018-024>026-034-035-MOZ009-010-160930-
Buchanan-Delaware-Dubuque-Benton-Linn-Jones-Jackson-Iowa-Johnson-
Cedar-Clinton-Muscatine-Scott-Keokuk-Washington-Louisa-Jefferson-
Henry IA-Des Moines-Van Buren-Lee-Jo Daviess-Stephenson-Carroll-
Whiteside-Rock Island-Henry IL-Bureau-Putnam-Mercer-Henderson-
Warren-Hancock-McDonough-Scotland-Clark-
423 AM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of north central
Illinois...northwest Illinois...west central Illinois...east
central Iowa...northeast Iowa...southeast Iowa and northeast
Missouri.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT

There is a Slight Risk, or level 2 of 5 risk, for severe weather
across the Outlook area this afternoon and evening. Damaging
winds, large hail and a few tornadoes are all possible. In
addition, there is the potential for flash flooding in any areas
that see multiple rounds of heavy rain producing storms. The
greater risk for flash flooding will be north of Highway 30 where
the ground is saturated from recent heavy rainfall of 1 to 3
inches.

Area rivers are experiencing flooding. Please see the latest
Flood Statements and Flood Warnings for details.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY

There is an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) for severe weather across
much of the area late Friday afternoon and Friday night. Damaging
winds and tornadoes are the primary threats.

Much colder air will bring the potential for frost and freeze
conditions to parts of the area Saturday night and Sunday night.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed this afternoon and evening.

In the hours before

Local storm report, Apr 15, 2:33 PM CDT, 3 hours 32 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
233 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0537 PM     Hail             Packwood                41.13N 92.08W
04/14/2026  E2.00 Inch       Jefferson          IA   Public

            Time estimated using radar.

&&

MTF
Local storm report, Apr 15, 5:40 PM CDT, 25 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA IL
540 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0531 PM     Hail             3 S Vinton              42.12N 92.03W
04/15/2026  M1.00 Inch       Benton             IA   Emergency Mngr

&&

The office that day

Everything else NWS Quad Cities, IA issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Apr 14, 7:05 PM CDTTornado Warning Tornado observedDVNCarroll, Jo Daviess40 min
Apr 14, 7:08 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningDVNMercer, Rock Island38 min
Apr 14, 7:12 PM CDTFlash Flood WarningDVNJo Daviess3 hr
Apr 14, 7:24 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatDVNJo Daviess, Stephenson81 min
Apr 14, 7:45 PM CDTTornado WarningDVNStephenson35 min
Apr 14, 7:58 PM CDTFlash Flood WarningDVNJo Daviess, Stephenson3 hr
Apr 14, 8:26 PM CDTRiver Flood WatchDVNHenry, Rock Island, Whiteside6 days
Apr 15, 2:50 AM CDTFlood WatchDVNCarroll, Jo Daviess, Stephenson20 hr
Apr 15, 11:21 AM CDTRiver Flood WatchDVNHancock21 days
Apr 15, 11:21 AM CDTRiver Flood WatchDVNMercer21 days
Apr 15, 11:21 AM CDTRiver Flood WatchDVNHenderson, Mercer21 days
Apr 15, 12:31 PM CDTRiver Flood WatchDVNHenry, Rock Island21 days
Apr 15, 12:31 PM CDTRiver Flood WatchDVNWhiteside5 days
Apr 15, 12:31 PM CDTRiver Flood WarningDVNStephenson8 hr

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in Illinois, 2026Every tornado warning in 2026Tornadoes in 2026

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.