Alert archive / Illinois / Tornado Warnings in 2026
Tornado Warning 24, NWS Quad Cities, IA
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
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 15, 6:19 PM CDT | FUNNEL CLOUD | 2 S Nora, IL | |
| Apr 15, 6:50 PM CDT | HAIL 1 | Nora, 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.
| Issued | Product | Office | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 15, 3:40 PM CDT | Tornado Watch | SPC | 6 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.
- 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
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
$$
Friedlein4 follow-up statements
460
WWUS53 KDVN 152314
SVSDVN
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA/IL
614 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026
ILC085-177-152345-
/O.CON.KDVN.TO.W.0024.000000T0000Z-260415T2345Z/
Jo Daviess IL-Stephenson IL-
614 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 645 PM CDT FOR
NORTHEASTERN JO DAVIESS AND NORTHWESTERN STEPHENSON COUNTIES...
At 614 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located 2 miles north of Stockton, or 18 miles west of Freeport,
moving northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado and half dollar size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
This dangerous storm will be near...
Warren, Winslow, Nora, Waddams Grove, and Jo Daviess County
Fairgrounds around 620 PM CDT.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 4235 8999 4239 9014 4251 9008 4250 8966
TIME...MOT...LOC 2314Z 244DEG 27KT 4239 8999
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.25 IN
$$
Friedlein823
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
$$
Friedlein403
WWUS53 KDVN 152335
SVSDVN
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Quad Cities IA/IL
635 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026
ILC085-177-152345-
/O.CON.KDVN.TO.W.0024.000000T0000Z-260415T2345Z/
Jo Daviess IL-Stephenson IL-
635 PM CDT Wed Apr 15 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 645 PM CDT FOR
NORTHEASTERN JO DAVIESS AND NORTHWESTERN STEPHENSON COUNTIES...
At 634 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located 2 miles south of Winslow, or 12 miles southwest of
Monroe, moving northeast at 25 mph. This storm has produced a funnel
cloud in northwest Stephenson County.
HAZARD...Tornado and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
This dangerous storm will be near...
Winslow around 640 PM CDT.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 4240 8989 4245 9006 4251 8994 4250 8966
TIME...MOT...LOC 2334Z 242DEG 23KT 4246 8981
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
$$
Friedlein486 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.
&&
MTFLocal 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.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 14, 7:05 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | DVN | Carroll, Jo Daviess | 40 min |
| Apr 14, 7:08 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DVN | Mercer, Rock Island | 38 min |
| Apr 14, 7:12 PM CDT | Flash Flood Warning | DVN | Jo Daviess | 3 hr |
| Apr 14, 7:24 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DVN | Jo Daviess, Stephenson | 81 min |
| Apr 14, 7:45 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | DVN | Stephenson | 35 min |
| Apr 14, 7:58 PM CDT | Flash Flood Warning | DVN | Jo Daviess, Stephenson | 3 hr |
| Apr 14, 8:26 PM CDT | River Flood Watch | DVN | Henry, Rock Island, Whiteside | 6 days |
| Apr 15, 2:50 AM CDT | Flood Watch | DVN | Carroll, Jo Daviess, Stephenson | 20 hr |
| Apr 15, 11:21 AM CDT | River Flood Watch | DVN | Hancock | 21 days |
| Apr 15, 11:21 AM CDT | River Flood Watch | DVN | Mercer | 21 days |
| Apr 15, 11:21 AM CDT | River Flood Watch | DVN | Henderson, Mercer | 21 days |
| Apr 15, 12:31 PM CDT | River Flood Watch | DVN | Henry, Rock Island | 21 days |
| Apr 15, 12:31 PM CDT | River Flood Watch | DVN | Whiteside | 5 days |
| Apr 15, 12:31 PM CDT | River Flood Warning | DVN | Stephenson | 8 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.