Alert archive / Illinois / Tornado Warnings in 2026
Tornado Warning 116, NWS Lincoln, IL
NWS Lincoln, IL issued this tornado warning at Jun 21, 2026, 3:04 PM CDT for Effingham County, Shelby County, Illinois. It was in force for 41 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
- Jun 21, 2026, 3:04 PM CDT (20:04 UTC)
- Expired
- Jun 21, 2026, 3:45 PM CDT
- In force
- 41 min
- Issued by
- NWS Lincoln, IL
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Tornado
- Radar indicated
- Hail
- 0.75 in
Counties Effingham County, IL, Shelby County, IL
The radar
The Lincoln radar (KILX), 115 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:07 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 21, 3:19 PM CDT | FUNNEL CLOUD | 3 Se Mode, IL | |
| Jun 21, 3:30 PM CDT | TORNADO | 4 Nnw Shumway, IL | EF-0, max wind 75 mph, path length 2.3 miles, max width 150 yards. The tornado began about 4 miles southwest of Stewardson, causing damage to trees and a farm outbuilding along its 2.3 mile path. It lifted just north of the county line near N 2700 East Road. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
Did it verify
Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched one storm report to this tornado warning; the first came 26 minutes after it went out.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 21, 1:28 PM CDT | Tornado Watch | SPC | 9 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Lincoln, IL (KILX), launched 12:00Z, 8.1 hours before the alert went out and 103 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
- 0 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- No buoyant parcel
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 1482 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 41 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 10 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 35 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
790
WFUS53 KILX 212004
TORILX
ILC049-173-212045-
/O.NEW.KILX.TO.W.0116.260621T2004Z-260621T2045Z/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
304 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
The National Weather Service in Lincoln has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
Southeastern Shelby County in central Illinois...
Northwestern Effingham County in south central Illinois...
* Until 345 PM CDT.
* At 304 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Beecher City, or 14 miles south of Shelbyville,
moving northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado.
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...
Beecher City around 310 PM CDT.
Other locations in the path of this tornadic thunderstorm include
Stewardson.
This also includes Hidden Springs State Forest.
This includes Interstate 57 near mile marker 168.
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 3922 8880 3922 8887 3940 8864 3921 8847
3912 8880
TIME...MOT...LOC 2004Z 233DEG 26KT 3920 8884
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
$$
Erwin4 follow-up statements
714
WWUS53 KILX 212020
SVSILX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
320 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
ILC049-173-212045-
/O.CON.KILX.TO.W.0116.000000T0000Z-260621T2045Z/
Shelby-Effingham-
320 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 345 PM CDT FOR
SOUTHEASTERN SHELBY AND NORTH CENTRAL EFFINGHAM COUNTIES...
At 320 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Shumway, or 11 miles northwest of Effingham, moving
northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
This dangerous storm will be near...
Stewardson around 325 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include
Strasburg and Sigel.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 3920 8872 3923 8876 3937 8861 3923 8849
TIME...MOT...LOC 2020Z 239DEG 25KT 3923 8870
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
$$
Erwin288
WWUS53 KILX 212024
SVSILX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
324 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
ILC049-173-212045-
/O.CON.KILX.TO.W.0116.000000T0000Z-260621T2045Z/
Shelby-Effingham-
324 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 345 PM CDT FOR
SOUTHEASTERN SHELBY AND NORTH CENTRAL EFFINGHAM COUNTIES...
At 323 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located over Stewardson, or 10
miles northwest of Effingham, moving northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado.
SOURCE...Weather spotters confirmed tornado.
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 tornado will be near...
Stewardson around 330 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include
Strasburg and Sigel.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. 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 3920 8872 3923 8876 3937 8861 3923 8849
TIME...MOT...LOC 2023Z 233DEG 26KT 3925 8867
TORNADO...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
$$
Erwin364
WWUS53 KILX 212030
SVSILX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
330 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
ILC049-212040-
/O.CAN.KILX.TO.W.0116.000000T0000Z-260621T2045Z/
Effingham-
330 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTH CENTRAL EFFINGHAM COUNTY IS
CANCELLED...
The tornadic thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out
of the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.
However, a severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect for
Effingham County!
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 900 PM CDT for central
Illinois.
&&
LAT...LON 3922 8863 3928 8870 3937 8861 3925 8851
TIME...MOT...LOC 2030Z 233DEG 26KT 3928 8862
$$
ILC173-212045-
/O.CON.KILX.TO.W.0116.000000T0000Z-260621T2045Z/
Shelby-
330 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 345 PM CDT FOR
SOUTHEASTERN SHELBY COUNTY...
At 330 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over Stewardson, or 9 miles west of Neoga, moving
northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado.
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 tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
southeastern Shelby County, including the following locations...
Strasburg.
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 3922 8863 3928 8870 3937 8861 3925 8851
TIME...MOT...LOC 2030Z 233DEG 26KT 3928 8862
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
$$
Erwin004 WWUS53 KILX 212041 SVSILX Severe Weather Statement National Weather Service Lincoln IL 341 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026 ILC173-212050- /O.EXP.KILX.TO.W.0116.000000T0000Z-260621T2045Z/ Shelby- 341 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026 ...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR SOUTHEASTERN SHELBY COUNTY WILL EXPIRE AT 345 PM CDT... The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area. Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 900 PM CDT for central Illinois. Remember, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning still remains in effect for Shelby County! && LAT...LON 3922 8863 3928 8870 3937 8861 3925 8851 TIME...MOT...LOC 2040Z 270DEG 26KT 3932 8856 $$ Erwin
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 Lincoln, IL wrote its last area forecast discussion before this tornado warning went out at Jun 21, 12:18 PM CDT, 2 hours 46 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- Widespread rain will occur across central and southeast Illinois today. Amounts of 1 to 2 inches will be common. Isolated higher amounts over 3 inches could result in flash flooding.
- There is a Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) for severe weather along and south of a Jacksonville to Danville line from 2 PM to 10 PM today.
Area forecast discussion, Jun 21, 12:18 PM CDT, 2 hours 46 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
1218 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Widespread rain will occur across central and southeast Illinois
today. Amounts of 1 to 2 inches will be common. Isolated
higher amounts over 3 inches could result in flash flooding.
- There is a Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) for severe weather along
and south of a Jacksonville to Danville line from 2 PM to 10
PM today.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 155 AM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
The 00z high-resolution guidance indicates dual-threats today
consisting of heavy rainfall and a severe weather risk this
afternoon and evening. The primary forecast uncertainty revolves
around the degree of destabilization following this mornings
initial convective activity, and the location of the resulting
outflow boundary/effective warm front. High- resolution models
show a clear signal that the northern portion of the forecast
area will remain overturned and stable. However, near and south
of the I-72 corridor, guidance supports stronger
destabilization.
SEVERE RISK TODAY...
The RAP and HRRR project MLCAPE values surging over 1000 J/kg
late afternoon south of the warm front. This higher-instability
reservoir will couple with favorable kinematics, as an upper-
level jet streak provides 35 to 45 knots of effective bulk
shear. Updraft helicity (UH) swaths show a distinct clustering
across the southern half of the forecast area after 19z. This
environment favors multi-cell clusters and transient supercells
capable of producing damaging downburst winds and large hail.
Low-level hodographs curve sufficiently near the surface
boundary to support a localized tornado threat, reflected in
SPC's 5% tornado risk. The primary forecast solution favors a
targeted severe threat area focused along and south of a line
from Jacksonville to Lincoln to Danville, peaking between 19z
and 03z, before the instability axis is shunted east into
Indiana.
HEAVY RAIN TODAY...
Anomalous atmospheric moisture is surging northward into
central Illinois early this morning ahead of an approaching
shortwave. High-resolution guidance shows precipitable water
values climbing into the 2-2.25-inch range, which approaches
climatological maximums for late June. This deep tropical
moisture will interact with a 40-50 kt low-level jet streak,
with its convergent nose aimed at central IL this afternoon. As
a result, thunderstorms will become highly efficient rainfall
producers. The 00z HREF probability-matched mean (PMM) indicates
a widespread swath of 1-3 inches of rain across central and
southeast Illinois, with localized totals exceeding 4 inches
where storms train over the same areas. Given antecedent
saturated soils, this rain will rapidly convert to runoff. The
Weather Prediction Center (WPC) maintains a Moderate Risk (level
3 of 4) in the Excessive Rainfall Outlook (ERO) for today.
Flash flooding is a primary threat, particularly in urban and
low-lying areas.
NEXT WEEK...
Lingering rain showers remain possible over eastern IL into
Monday morning as the upper- level trough crosses the region.
Cooler, drier air filters in on Monday afternoon on northwest
winds, with highs only in the mid-70s.
Surface high pressure builds over the Midwest on Tuesday,
bringing dry conditions and seasonably mild temperatures with
highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s.
For the mid-to-late week period, the official forecast relies
closely on NBM guidance, though confidence drops due to notable
model disagreements. The main forecast periods of precip are
associated a frontal passage late Wednesday, and a stronger
shortwave projected over the Midwest late Friday into Saturday.
Ensemble guidance show a general trend toward rising geopotential
heights next weekend, suggesting warming temperatures.
&&
.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z MONDAY/...
Issued at 1218 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
Showers and a few thunderstorms are overspreading central
Illinois early this afternoon with additional development
possible behind this initial line. Confidence in details on
coverage/location of late afternoon/evening storms remains low,
thus precludes more than a prob30 mention at this time.
Meanwhile, E/ESE winds currently in place are expected to back
to NE by late this evening as weak low pressure moves across the
region. MVFR and eventually IFR ceilings will accompany the low
passage, with slow improvement expected from the northwest
behind the departing wave Monday.
&&
.ILX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Flood Watch through late tonight for ILZ027>031-036>038-
040>057-061>063-066>068-071>073.
&&
KEY MESSAGES...25
DISCUSSION...25
AVIATION...DeubelbeissHazardous weather outlook, Jun 21, 5:01 AM CDT, 10 hours 3 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Lincoln IL 501 AM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026 ILZ027>031-036>038-040>057-061>063-066>068-071>073-221015- Knox-Stark-Peoria-Marshall-Woodford-Fulton-Tazewell-McLean-Schuyler- Mason-Logan-De Witt-Piatt-Champaign-Vermilion-Cass-Menard-Scott- Morgan-Sangamon-Christian-Macon-Moultrie-Douglas-Coles-Edgar-Shelby- Cumberland-Clark-Effingham-Jasper-Crawford-Clay-Richland-Lawrence- 501 AM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Illinois, east central Illinois, southeast Illinois and west central Illinois. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Heavy rain will develop today, with 1.5 to 2 inches expected in most areas and locally higher amounts over 3 inches possible by tonight. This may produce flash flooding in urban and low lying flood prone areas. Additionally, scattered thunderstorms could become severe this afternoon and evening, with a risk for locally damaging wind gusts and possibly a few tornadoes. Several rivers are in minor to moderate flood today, and additional rises are expected following heavy rainfall tonight. Rivers expected to flood include portions of the Illinois, Sangamon, Wabash, Little Wabash, and Spoon Rivers. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. Several rivers will continue in minor to moderate flood for many days, including portions of the Illinois, Wabash, Little Wabash, Sangamon, and Spoon Rivers. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed from around 2 to 10 PM. Expected storm motion is toward the northeast around 50 mph. 37
The office that day
Everything else NWS Lincoln, IL issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 20, 7:14 PM CDT | River Flood Warning | ILX | Cass, Mason | 49 hr |
| Jun 20, 7:20 PM CDT | River Flood Warning | ILX | Fulton, Knox | 3 days |
| Jun 21, 9:24 AM CDT | River Flood Warning | ILX | Lawrence | 10 days |
| Jun 21, 10:06 AM CDT | River Flood Warning | ILX | Fulton | 34 hr |
| Jun 21, 2:15 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | ILX | Sangamon | 5 hr |
| Jun 21, 2:52 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | Effingham, Shelby | 64 min |
| Jun 21, 3:09 PM CDT | Flash Flood Warning | ILX | Effingham, Shelby | 4 hr |
| Jun 21, 3:14 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | Clay, Effingham, Jasper, Richland | 61 min |
| Jun 21, 3:22 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Clay, Effingham, Jasper, Richland | 38 min |
| Jun 21, 3:38 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | Coles, Cumberland, Effingham, Jasper, Shelby | 67 min |
| Jun 21, 3:51 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Crawford, Jasper | 39 min |
| Jun 21, 3:55 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Clay, Effingham | 32 min |
| Jun 21, 3:56 PM CDT | Flash Flood Warning | ILX | Clay, Effingham | 4 hr |
| Jun 21, 3:59 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Clark, Coles, Cumberland | 46 min |
| Jun 21, 4:06 PM CDT | Flash Flood Warning | ILX | Cumberland, Effingham | 3 hr |
| Jun 21, 4:10 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Clay, Effingham | 17 min |
| Jun 21, 4:23 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Clark, Crawford, Jasper | 43 min |
| Jun 21, 4:29 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Clay | 46 min |
| Jun 21, 4:30 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | Clark, Coles, Crawford, Edgar, Jasper | 60 min |
| Jun 21, 4:32 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | Clark, Crawford, Jasper | 58 min |
| Jun 21, 4:37 PM CDT | Flash Flood Warning | ILX | Clark, Clay, Cumberland, Jasper, Richland | 3 hr |
| Jun 21, 4:46 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Crawford, Jasper | 25 min |
| Jun 21, 4:52 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | Clay, Effingham, Jasper | 53 min |
| Jun 21, 4:55 PM CDT | Flash Flood Warning | ILX | Clark, Crawford | 3 hr |
| Jun 21, 4:56 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | Lawrence, Richland | 64 min |
| Jun 21, 5:12 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Clay, Richland | 48 min |
| Jun 21, 5:20 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Crawford, Lawrence | 40 min |
| Jun 21, 5:21 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Clay, Jasper | 39 min |
| Jun 21, 5:27 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | Crawford, Jasper | 63 min |
| Jun 21, 5:49 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Lawrence, Richland | 41 min |
| Jun 21, 5:52 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Clay, Jasper, Richland | 25 min |
| Jun 21, 5:58 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | Clay, Jasper, Richland | 62 min |
| Jun 21, 5:59 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | Crawford, Jasper, Lawrence, Richland | 61 min |
| Jun 21, 6:11 PM CDT | Flash Flood Warning | ILX | Clay, Lawrence, Richland | 104 min |
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.