Alert archive / Illinois / Tornado Warnings in 2026
Tornado Warning 49, NWS Lincoln, IL
NWS Lincoln, IL issued this tornado warning at Apr 17, 2026, 7:56 PM CDT for Fulton County, Mason County, Illinois. It was in force for 34 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 17, 2026, 7:56 PM CDT (00:56 UTC)
- Expired
- Apr 17, 2026, 8:30 PM CDT
- In force
- 34 min
- Issued by
- NWS Lincoln, IL
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Tornado
- Radar indicated
- Hail
- 0.75 in
Counties Fulton County, IL, Mason County, IL
The radar
The Lincoln radar (KILX), 56 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 00:56 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 17, 7:56 PM CDT | TORNADO | Bath, IL | EF1, peak wind speed 105 mph, path length 31.85 miles. This long track tornado spanned nearly the entire width of Mason County, starting in Bath and ending just across the Logan County line in San Jose. In Bath, a few walls collapsed. Along the path, a number |
| Apr 17, 8:16 PM CDT | TORNADO | 5 Ene Easton, IL | Tornado on the ground with debris. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
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 17, 3:31 PM CDT | Tornado Watch | SPC | 8 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Lincoln, IL (KILX), launched 00:00Z, 0.9 hours before the alert went out and 118 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
- 1309 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -103 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 1221 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 51 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 212 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 264 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.8
- Supercell composite
- 8.2
The text
As transmitted.
865
WFUS53 KILX 180056
TORILX
ILC057-125-180130-
/O.NEW.KILX.TO.W.0049.260418T0056Z-260418T0130Z/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
756 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
The National Weather Service in Lincoln has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
South central Fulton County in west central Illinois...
Central Mason County in central Illinois...
* Until 830 PM CDT.
* At 756 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms capable of producing both
tornadoes and extensive straight line wind damage were located over
Bath, or 8 miles southwest of Havana, moving east at 65 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.
* These dangerous storms will be near...
Kilbourne around 800 PM CDT.
Easton around 805 PM CDT.
Mason City around 815 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.
This cluster of thunderstorms is capable of producing tornadoes and
widespread significant wind damage. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest
floor of a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4013 9018 4025 9020 4036 8975 4017 8964
TIME...MOT...LOC 0056Z 266DEG 58KT 4019 9013
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
$$
253 follow-up statements
653
WWUS53 KILX 180104
SVSILX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
804 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
ILC057-180114-
/O.CAN.KILX.TO.W.0049.000000T0000Z-260418T0130Z/
Fulton-
804 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR SOUTH CENTRAL FULTON COUNTY IS
CANCELLED...
The tornadic thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out
of the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CDT for central
Illinois.
&&
LAT...LON 4018 9000 4025 9004 4036 8975 4022 8967
TIME...MOT...LOC 0104Z 255DEG 49KT 4022 9002
$$
ILC125-180130-
/O.CON.KILX.TO.W.0049.000000T0000Z-260418T0130Z/
Mason-
804 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 830 PM CDT FOR EAST
CENTRAL MASON COUNTY...
At 804 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located near Kilbourne, or
near Havana, moving east at 55 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado.
SOURCE...Radar 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...
Easton around 810 PM CDT.
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.
This cluster of thunderstorms is capable of producing tornadoes and
widespread significant wind damage. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest
floor of a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4018 9000 4025 9004 4036 8975 4022 8967
TIME...MOT...LOC 0104Z 255DEG 49KT 4022 9002
TORNADO...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
$$
25863
WWUS53 KILX 180114
SVSILX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
814 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
ILC125-180130-
/O.CON.KILX.TO.W.0049.000000T0000Z-260418T0130Z/
Mason-
814 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 830 PM CDT FOR EAST
CENTRAL MASON COUNTY...
At 814 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located over Easton, or 7
miles northwest of Mason City, moving east at 65 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado.
SOURCE...Weather spotters confirmed tornado.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
east central Mason County.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a
basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.
This cluster of thunderstorms is capable of producing tornadoes and
widespread significant wind damage. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest
floor of a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4020 8986 4030 8990 4036 8975 4022 8967
TIME...MOT...LOC 0114Z 263DEG 56KT 4025 8982
TORNADO...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
$$
25485 WWUS53 KILX 180127 SVSILX Severe Weather Statement National Weather Service Lincoln IL 827 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026 ILC125-180136- /O.EXP.KILX.TO.W.0049.000000T0000Z-260418T0130Z/ Mason- 827 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026 ...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR EAST CENTRAL MASON COUNTY WILL EXPIRE AT 830 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 1100 PM CDT for central Illinois. && LAT...LON 4020 8986 4030 8990 4036 8975 4022 8967 TIME...MOT...LOC 0126Z 266DEG 58KT 4026 8956 $$ 25
The office that day
Everything else NWS Lincoln, IL issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 17, 7:05 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Knox, Stark | 25 min |
| Apr 17, 7:13 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | Marshall, Peoria, Stark | 47 min |
| Apr 17, 7:21 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | Fulton, Knox | 54 min |
| Apr 17, 7:26 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | Cass, Fulton, Mason, Morgan, Schuyler, Scott | 34 min |
| Apr 17, 7:30 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Marshall, Stark | 30 min |
| Apr 17, 7:36 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Fulton | 24 min |
| Apr 17, 7:50 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Knox, Marshall, Peoria, Stark | 40 min |
| Apr 17, 7:58 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | Cass, Fulton, Knox, Marshall, Mason, Menard and 5 more | 49 min |
| Apr 17, 8:01 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Marshall, Peoria, Stark | 29 min |
| Apr 17, 8:02 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Fulton, Peoria, Tazewell | 28 min |
| Apr 17, 8:10 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Mason, Tazewell | 35 min |
| Apr 17, 8:16 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | Cass, DeWitt, Logan, McLean, Mason, Menard and 2 more | 59 min |
| Apr 17, 8:19 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Marshall, Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford | 41 min |
| Apr 17, 8:20 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Logan, McLean, Mason, Tazewell | 40 min |
| Apr 17, 8:28 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Logan, Mason, Menard | 32 min |
| Apr 17, 8:30 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | McLean, Marshall, Tazewell, Woodford | 45 min |
| Apr 17, 8:39 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | McLean, Tazewell, Woodford | 36 min |
| Apr 17, 8:43 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | McLean, Tazewell, Woodford | 47 min |
| Apr 17, 8:53 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | Christian, Logan, Macon, Sangamon | 52 min |
| Apr 17, 8:54 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Marshall, Woodford | 21 min |
| Apr 17, 9:00 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | DeWitt, McLean, Piatt | 45 min |
| Apr 17, 9:01 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | McLean | 44 min |
| Apr 17, 9:08 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | DeWitt, Logan, McLean, Macon, Piatt | 37 min |
| Apr 17, 9:27 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | Macon, Piatt | 48 min |
| Apr 17, 9:37 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | Champaign | 38 min |
| Apr 17, 9:42 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | ILX | Peoria | 3 hr |
| Apr 17, 9:42 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | Piatt | 18 min |
| Apr 17, 9:42 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ILX | Champaign, Piatt | 48 min |
| Apr 17, 9:46 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | Champaign, Douglas, Moultrie, Piatt | 44 min |
| Apr 17, 10:11 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | Vermilion | 49 min |
| Apr 17, 10:15 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ILX | Champaign | 19 min |
| Apr 17, 11:24 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | ILX | Christian, Sangamon | 36 min |
| Apr 17, 11:54 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | ILX | Sangamon | 2 hr |
| Apr 18, 1:48 PM CDT | Frost Advisory | ILX | Cass, Champaign, Christian, Clark, Clay, Coles and 29 more | 18 hr |
| Apr 18, 1:48 PM CDT | Freeze Watch | ILX | Champaign, DeWitt, Fulton, Knox, Logan, McLean and 8 more | 12 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.