Alert archive / Illinois / Tornado Warnings in 2026

Tornado Warning 38, NWS Lincoln, IL

April 3, 2026Logan County, Mason County, Tazewell County, Illinois

NWS Lincoln, IL issued this tornado warning at Apr 3, 2026, 5:00 PM CDT for Logan County, Mason County, Tazewell County, Illinois. It was in force for 30 min. 4 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 3, 2026, 5:00 PM CDT (22:00 UTC)
Expired
Apr 3, 2026, 5:30 PM CDT
In force
30 min
Issued by
NWS Lincoln, IL
Area
Storm-based polygon
Tornado
Radar indicated
Hail
0.75 in

Counties Logan County, IL, Mason County, IL, Tazewell County, IL

The radar

The Lincoln radar (KILX), 46 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 22:02 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 3, 5:15 PM CDTFUNNEL CLOUD2 Se Topeka, ILFunnel cloud reported southwest of Forest City.
Apr 3, 5:21 PM CDTHAIL 1Manito, IL
Apr 3, 5:23 PM CDTHAIL 2Forest City, IL
Apr 3, 5:27 PM CDTFUNNEL CLOUD5 Se Union, 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 nearest sounding before it

Lincoln, IL (KILX), launched 12:00Z, 10.0 hours before the alert went out and 106 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 2026-04-03Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 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 2026-04-03The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 172 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
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1023 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
47 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
172 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
229 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

186 
WFUS53 KILX 032200
TORILX
ILC107-125-179-032230-
/O.NEW.KILX.TO.W.0038.260403T2200Z-260403T2230Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
500 PM CDT Fri Apr 3 2026

The National Weather Service in Lincoln has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  Northwestern Logan County in central Illinois...
  Southwestern Tazewell County in central Illinois...
  Northeastern Mason County in central Illinois...

* Until 530 PM CDT.

* At 500 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
  was located near Easton, or 8 miles east of Havana, moving
  northeast at 20 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...
  Manito around 520 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 4025 8991 4033 9004 4054 8973 4033 8952
TIME...MOT...LOC 2200Z 232DEG 19KT 4029 8989 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

MJA
2 follow-up statements
929 
WWUS53 KILX 032206
SVSILX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
506 PM CDT Fri Apr 3 2026

ILC107-125-179-032230-
/O.CON.KILX.TO.W.0038.000000T0000Z-260403T2230Z/
Logan-Tazewell-Mason-
506 PM CDT Fri Apr 3 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 530 PM CDT FOR
NORTHWESTERN LOGAN...SOUTHWESTERN TAZEWELL AND NORTHEASTERN MASON
COUNTIES...

At 505 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Easton, or 10 miles east of Havana, moving northeast
at 20 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and ping pong ball size hail.

SOURCE...At 5:03 pm, weather spotters reported a rotating wall cloud.

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...
  Manito around 520 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Forest
City, Topeka, and Goofy Ridge.

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 4025 8991 4033 9004 4054 8973 4033 8952
TIME...MOT...LOC 2205Z 232DEG 19KT 4031 8986 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.50 IN

$$

MJA
319 
WWUS53 KILX 032217
SVSILX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
517 PM CDT Fri Apr 3 2026

ILC107-032226-
/O.CAN.KILX.TO.W.0038.000000T0000Z-260403T2230Z/
Logan-
517 PM CDT Fri Apr 3 2026

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHWESTERN LOGAN COUNTY IS CANCELLED...

The tornadic thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out 
of the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

&&

LAT...LON 4030 8984 4041 8992 4054 8973 4033 8952
TIME...MOT...LOC 2216Z 232DEG 19KT 4035 8980 

$$

ILC125-179-032230-
/O.CON.KILX.TO.W.0038.000000T0000Z-260403T2230Z/
Tazewell-Mason-
517 PM CDT Fri Apr 3 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 530 PM CDT FOR
SOUTHWESTERN TAZEWELL AND NORTHEASTERN MASON COUNTIES...

At 516 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Manito, or 11 miles northwest of Mason City, moving
northeast at 20 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and golf ball size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.  At 5:12 pm, trained weather 
         spotters reported a large funnel cloud over Forest City.

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...
  Manito around 520 PM CDT.
  Green Valley around 530 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Forest
City.

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 4030 8984 4041 8992 4054 8973 4033 8952
TIME...MOT...LOC 2216Z 232DEG 19KT 4035 8980 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.75 IN

$$

MJA

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 Apr 3, 1:37 PM CDT, 3 hours 23 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Two periods of severe weather are expected through tonight. Of those, the first one (2-10 pm) would be most likely to produce all severe weather hazards, primarily west of I-55. The second one, after midnight, will mainly see a localized damaging wind threat.
  • A trend for cooler weather is on tap for the second half of the weekend, into Tuesday. There is concern for a hard freeze in parts of central Illinois Monday night, mainly focused on areas near and north of I-74.
Area forecast discussion, Apr 3, 1:37 PM CDT, 3 hours 23 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
137 PM CDT Fri Apr 3 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Two periods of severe weather are expected through tonight. Of
  those, the first one (2-10 pm) would be most likely to produce
  all severe weather hazards, primarily west of I-55. The second
  one, after midnight, will mainly see a localized damaging wind
  threat.

- A trend for cooler weather is on tap for the second half of
  the weekend, into Tuesday. There is concern for a hard freeze
  in parts of central Illinois Monday night, mainly focused on
  areas near and north of I-74.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 137 PM CDT Fri Apr 3 2026

Through Saturday:

A warm front was located roughly along I-72/US-36 early this
afternoon, with temperatures south of it in the lower 70s and
dew points in the mid 60s. Recent satellite imagery shows this
particular region, while still having a fair amount of clouds,
has had some breaks that have helped boost mixed layer CAPE's to
around 1000 J/kg. Noontime run of the WoFS model suggests the
boundary lifting about as far north as Peoria by mid afternoon.
WoFS output, as well as recent runs of the HRRR and the 12z
RRFS, are all focusing on convective initiation in the 2-3 pm
time frame. This seems on track, as visible satellite is showing
some towering cumulus centered along I-72, and some showers have
been popping recently in east central Illinois. While severe
weather is not a slam dunk this afternoon and evening, there are
enough components that all hazards remain in play. However,
most of this focus will be west of I-55, and especially toward
the Illinois River valley.

The first batch of storms will likely be out of our forecast
area by late evening, but the line of storms associated with the
cold front won't be too far behind. Main focus for that band
will be in the midnight to 5 am time frame, with the main
concern being with localized 50-60 mph wind gusts. After that,
rain tapers from west to east on Saturday as the front pushes
into Indiana by midday.

Sunday through Tuesday:

Much of this period will be fairly tranquil, as high pressure
settles into the mid Mississippi Valley. Main concern in this
time frame is with the cooler temperatures, and potential for a
hard freeze. Latest LREF has about a 40% chance of a hard freeze
(lows 28F or colder) Monday night, roughly along and north of
I-74.

Wednesday through Friday:

A significant warming trend takes place, as the upper flow
becomes more zonal, and high temperatures return to the 60s and
70s. Main feature of note will be a strong shortwave tracking
across the northern states Wednesday-Thursday, with a trailing
cold front arriving around Thursday. As it starts to parallel
the upper flow, an extended chance of rain begins to set up.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SATURDAY/...
Issued at 1240 PM CDT Fri Apr 3 2026

A northward lifting warm front will bring southerly winds
across the board through this afternoon and evening. Sustained
wind speeds will be around 10 kts with occasional gusts near 20
kts through late tonight.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible in the vicinity
of the warm front, as well as within the warm sector. This
threat exists primarily between 22z-03z at all terminals, though
confidence and coverage remain low enough to cover with a PROB30
group for the time being.

Later this evening, a higher confidence chance for widespread
showers and thunderstorms exists, and will spread from west to
east along a cold front. We covered this threat with a
predominant TSRA mention, mainly between 05z-12z. Behind the
leading line of thunderstorms, a trailing stratiform rain is
likely through mid- Saturday morning before clouds gradually
begin to lift and break by the end of this TAF period.

&&

.ILX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
None.

&&

KEY MESSAGES...Geelhart
DISCUSSION...Geelhart
AVIATION...MJA
Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 3, 1:40 PM CDT, 3 hours 20 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
140 PM CDT Fri Apr 3 2026

ILZ027>031-036>038-040>053-041845-
Knox-Stark-Peoria-Marshall-Woodford-Fulton-Tazewell-McLean-Schuyler-
Mason-Logan-De Witt-Piatt-Champaign-Vermilion-Cass-Menard-Scott-
Morgan-Sangamon-Christian-Macon-
140 PM CDT Fri Apr 3 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Illinois, east
central Illinois and west central Illinois.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Periods of thunderstorms are expected through tonight. Some of these
storms may be strong to severe, especially during the afternoon and
early evening and again late evening and overnight. A few tornadoes
are possible during the afternoon and evening. Damaging wind gusts
over 60 mph and large hail over 1 inch diameter are possible with
the strongest storms. Locally heavy rainfall could also produce
areas of flooding in urban and poor drainage areas as well as near
rivers.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

A few thunderstorms may continue into Saturday morning.

Minor flooding is expected along the Illinois River, beginning early
next week.

Freezing temperatures are possible Monday night, and may cause
damage to newly emerged tender vegetation.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed from 2 to 7 pm.

Expected storm motion is toward the northeast around 35 mph.

ILZ054>057-061>063-066>068-071>073-041845-
Moultrie-Douglas-Coles-Edgar-Shelby-Cumberland-Clark-Effingham-
Jasper-Crawford-Clay-Richland-Lawrence-
140 PM CDT Fri Apr 3 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Illinois, east
central Illinois and southeast Illinois.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Periods of thunderstorms are expected through tonight. Some of these
storms may be strong to severe. Damaging wind gusts over 60 mph and
large hail over 1 inch diameter are possible with the strongest
storms. Locally heavy rainfall could also produce areas of flooding
in urban and poor drainage areas as well as near rivers.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

A few thunderstorms may continue into Saturday morning.

Minor flooding is possible along the Wabash River and may develop
along the Little Wabash River this weekend, continuing into next
week.

Freezing temperatures are possible Monday night, and may cause
damage to newly emerged tender vegetation.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not anticipated for tonight.

MJA

The office that day

Everything else NWS Lincoln, IL issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Apr 2, 7:24 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningILXPeoria, Tazewell51 min
Apr 2, 7:38 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningILXMarshall, Woodford31 min
Apr 3, 3:21 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningILXDeWitt, McLean39 min
Apr 3, 3:42 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningILXChampaign, McLean33 min
Apr 3, 3:55 PM CDTTornado WarningILXMcLean35 min
Apr 3, 4:05 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningILXFulton, Mason, Schuyler55 min
Apr 3, 4:50 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningILXVermilion14 min
Apr 3, 4:54 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningILXFulton, Mason, Peoria, Tazewell51 min
Apr 3, 5:24 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningILXCass, Morgan, Schuyler22 min
Apr 3, 5:29 PM CDTTornado WarningILXMason, Tazewell31 min
Apr 3, 5:49 PM CDTTornado WarningILXTazewell26 min
Apr 3, 6:09 PM CDTTornado WarningILXTazewell36 min
Apr 3, 6:28 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningILXFulton, Mason, Tazewell47 min
Apr 3, 6:36 PM CDTTornado WarningILXMcLean, Tazewell39 min
Apr 3, 6:40 PM CDTTornado WarningILXMason, Tazewell35 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.