Alert archive / Illinois / Tornado Warnings in 2026
Tornado Warning 39, NWS Paducah, KY
NWS Paducah, KY issued this tornado warning at Jun 21, 2026, 5:31 PM CDT for Wayne County, Illinois. It was in force for 44 min. 1 report 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, 5:31 PM CDT (22:31 UTC)
- Expired
- Jun 21, 2026, 6:15 PM CDT
- In force
- 44 min
- Issued by
- NWS Paducah, KY
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Tornado
- Radar indicated
- Hail
- 1.0 in
County Wayne County, IL
The radar
The Evansville,IN radar (KVWX), 69 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 22:30 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, 5:57 PM CDT | TORNADO | 4 Nne Sims, IL | EF1 Tornado. Peak winds 95 mph. Path Length 1.53 miles. Storage shed and barn damaged/destroyed. Tree damage. |
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, 10.5 hours before the alert went out and 195 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.
843
WFUS53 KPAH 212231
TORPAH
ILC191-212315-
/O.NEW.KPAH.TO.W.0039.260621T2231Z-260621T2315Z/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Paducah KY
531 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
Central Wayne County in south central Illinois...
* Until 615 PM CDT.
* At 530 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Wayne City, or 15 miles west of Fairfield, moving
east at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation. This storm has a history of
producing a large 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 dangerous storm will be near...
Wayne City around 535 PM CDT.
Fairfield around 540 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include
Jeffersonville and Sims.
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 3835 8865 3848 8864 3847 8827 3833 8829
TIME...MOT...LOC 2230Z 272DEG 27KT 3840 8865
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
$$
DW6 follow-up statements
248
WWUS53 KPAH 212237
SVSPAH
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
537 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
ILC191-212315-
/O.CON.KPAH.TO.W.0039.000000T0000Z-260621T2315Z/
Wayne IL-
537 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 615 PM CDT FOR CENTRAL
WAYNE COUNTY...
At 537 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located near Wayne City, or 10
miles west of Fairfield, moving east at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Emergency management confirmed tornado.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
This tornado will be near...
Fairfield around 540 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include
Jeffersonville and Sims.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a
basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 3835 8860 3848 8860 3847 8827 3833 8829
TIME...MOT...LOC 2237Z 271DEG 29KT 3840 8857
TORNADO...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
$$
DW953
WWUS53 KPAH 212245
SVSPAH
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
545 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
ILC191-212315-
/O.CON.KPAH.TO.W.0039.000000T0000Z-260621T2315Z/
Wayne IL-
545 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 615 PM CDT FOR CENTRAL
WAYNE COUNTY...
At 545 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located near Wayne City, or 8
miles west of Fairfield, moving east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Emergency management 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...
Fairfield around 550 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include
Jeffersonville and Sims.
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 3835 8857 3848 8856 3847 8827 3833 8829
TIME...MOT...LOC 2245Z 268DEG 23KT 3841 8852
TORNADO...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
$$
DW963
WWUS53 KPAH 212251
SVSPAH
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
551 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
ILC191-212315-
/O.CON.KPAH.TO.W.0039.000000T0000Z-260621T2315Z/
Wayne IL-
551 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 615 PM CDT FOR CENTRAL
WAYNE COUNTY...
At 551 PM CDT, a confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado was
located near Fairfield, moving east at 30 mph.
This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. TAKE COVER NOW!
HAZARD...Damaging tornado.
SOURCE...Emergency management confirmed tornado.
IMPACT...You are in a life-threatening situation. Flying debris may
be deadly to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes
will be destroyed. Considerable damage to homes,
businesses, and vehicles is likely and complete destruction
is possible.
The tornado will be near...
Fairfield around 555 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include
Jeffersonville.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
To repeat, a large, extremely dangerous and potentially deadly
tornado is on the ground. To protect your life, TAKE COVER NOW! Move
to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 3835 8851 3848 8849 3847 8827 3833 8829
TIME...MOT...LOC 2251Z 266DEG 26KT 3842 8846
TORNADO...OBSERVED
TORNADO DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
$$
DW643
WWUS53 KPAH 212256
SVSPAH
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
556 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
ILC191-212315-
/O.CON.KPAH.TO.W.0039.000000T0000Z-260621T2315Z/
Wayne IL-
556 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 615 PM CDT FOR CENTRAL
WAYNE COUNTY...
At 556 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Fairfield, moving east 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...
Fairfield around 600 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include
Jeffersonville.
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 3835 8846 3848 8844 3847 8827 3833 8829
TIME...MOT...LOC 2256Z 272DEG 27KT 3842 8841
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
$$
DW513
WWUS53 KPAH 212302
SVSPAH
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
602 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
ILC191-212315-
/O.CON.KPAH.TO.W.0039.000000T0000Z-260621T2315Z/
Wayne IL-
602 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 615 PM CDT FOR EAST
CENTRAL WAYNE COUNTY...
At 602 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over Fairfield, moving east at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
east central Wayne County.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 3839 8840 3848 8839 3847 8827 3837 8828
TIME...MOT...LOC 2302Z 272DEG 27KT 3842 8835
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
$$
DW248 WWUS53 KPAH 212309 SVSPAH Severe Weather Statement National Weather Service Paducah KY 609 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026 ILC191-212319- /O.EXP.KPAH.TO.W.0039.000000T0000Z-260621T2315Z/ Wayne IL- 609 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026 ...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR EAST CENTRAL WAYNE COUNTY WILL EXPIRE AT 615 PM CDT... The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe limits, and no longer appears capable of producing a tornado. Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. However, gusty winds are still possible with this thunderstorm. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 900 PM CDT for south central Illinois. && LAT...LON 3839 8840 3848 8839 3847 8827 3837 8828 TIME...MOT...LOC 2309Z 272DEG 27KT 3842 8829 $$ DW
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 Paducah, KY wrote its last area forecast discussion before this tornado warning went out at Jun 21, 12:10 PM CDT, 5 hours 21 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- Showers and thunderstorms expected later today, especially tonight, lingering into Monday; localized flooding heavy rainfall and strong to severe storms will be possible.
- Cooler and mostly drier conditions return Tuesday, before scattered storms re-enter the forecast later in the week heading into next weekend.
Area forecast discussion, Jun 21, 12:10 PM CDT, 5 hours 21 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Paducah KY
1210 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Showers and thunderstorms expected later today, especially
tonight, lingering into Monday; localized flooding heavy
rainfall and strong to severe storms will be possible.
- Cooler and mostly drier conditions return Tuesday, before
scattered storms re-enter the forecast later in the week
heading into next weekend.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 1205 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
The complex of storms marching across MO will push our
northern/western reaches this afternoon. MUCAPEs will be making
their way into 4 digits, despite incoming clouds retarding the
diurnal rise. Dew points already into the lower 70s across our
south will solidify their ground over the entirety of the FA
this pm. Bulk shear and lapse rates similarly improve with the
system's approach, so any PM storm does show strong-svr potential.
However, the track of this driving low looks primarily to be to
our north, and the main first threat looks to follow its track.
Our best best for more robust/widespread storms comes later,
into the 00z-06z time frame, as the 2ndary wave develops and
rides along the boundary. By then, the upper shear profiles have
peaked, and helicity picks up, at least along the boundary/in
the vicinity of the wave's track, which dives southeastward into
the lower Ohio Valley. Expect an all hazards severe mode with
this wave, and in addition, near 2" PW's with E-SAT's showing
10-30 year Return Intervals suggest an efficiency to heavy rain
producing storms that if they train/repeat over the same areas,
could enhance storm average forecast total signals of around an
inch, to localized totals 2-3x higher. We'll therefore continue
the Flood Watch in our peak threat areas north for now, with
collaborative efforts driving any southward expansion.
Storms linger along/in advance of the boundary into Monday as
it moves eastward and southward coincident with the low's track
up the Ohio valley, which ultimately winds pops down with
relatively cooler/drier air coming in its place by Tuesday. Pops
start to pick up again later in the week, esp into next weekend.
&&
.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z MONDAY/...
Issued at 1205 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
Storm chances increase thru the TAF forecast period, with
restrictions to CIGS/VSBYS increasing with pops. Peak
restrictions will be this evening/overnight, when stronger
storms may drive Instrument Flight Rules at times. South winds
shift to northwest upon system passage late tonight/early tmrw,
as low end MVFR to potentially IFR based CIGS prevail. They
should gradually disperse as pops complete their diminishing
from the forecast area thru the planning phase hours of the
forecast.
&&
.PAH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
IL...Lake Wind Advisory until 7 PM CDT this evening for ILZ075-081-
085.
Flood Watch from 1 PM CDT this afternoon through Monday
morning for ILZ075>078-080>083.
MO...Lake Wind Advisory until 7 PM CDT this evening for MOZ100.
IN...Flood Watch from 1 PM CDT /2 PM EDT/ this afternoon through
Monday morning for INZ081-082-085>088.
KY...Lake Wind Advisory until 7 PM CDT this evening for KYZ007>009-
011-012.
&&Hazardous weather outlook, Jun 21, 3:16 AM CDT, 14 hours 15 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Paducah KY 316 AM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026 ILZ075>078-080>094-INZ081-082-085>088-KYZ001>022-MOZ076-086-087- 100-107>112-114-221215- Jefferson-Wayne IL-Edwards-Wabash-Perry IL-Franklin-Hamilton- White-Jackson-Williamson-Saline-Gallatin-Union-Johnson-Pope- Hardin-Alexander-Pulaski-Massac-Gibson-Pike-Posey-Vanderburgh- Warrick-Spencer-Fulton-Hickman-Carlisle-Ballard-McCracken-Graves- Livingston-Marshall-Calloway-Crittenden-Lyon-Trigg-Caldwell- Union KY-Webster-Hopkins-Christian-Henderson-Daviess-McLean- Muhlenberg-Todd-Perry MO-Bollinger-Cape Girardeau-Wayne MO-Carter- Ripley-Butler-Stoddard-Scott-Mississippi-New Madrid- 316 AM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026 /416 AM EDT Sun Jun 21 2026/ This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight Numerous thunderstorms are expected throughout the Quad State today. Severe storms with damaging winds, large hail, and even a few tornadoes will be possible this afternoon and evening. Heavy rainfall will be a concern for the entire period. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday Thunderstorms are expected to continue through Monday mainly across the south and southeast, with heavy rainfall the main concern. An isolated thunderstorm cannot be ruled out over southeast Missouri Tuesday night and expanding across the area on Wednesday. More scattered thunderstorm activity is possible Thursday afternoon and into the overnight. Better chances of storms return Friday and Saturday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed this afternoon and evening.
In the hours before
Local storm report, Jun 21, 1:52 PM CDT, 3 hours 39 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Paducah KY
152 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0151 PM Hail Anna 37.46N 89.24W
06/21/2026 M0.25 Inch Union IL Broadcast Media
Pea sized hail and some pictures of apparent
rotation/wall cloud near Anna 1:30-1:45 PM
local time.
&&Special weather statement, Jun 21, 1:57 PM CDT, 3 hours 34 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
157 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
ILZ085-088-089-211930-
Union IL-Williamson IL-Johnson IL-
157 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN UNION...
NORTHWESTERN JOHNSON AND SOUTH CENTRAL WILLIAMSON COUNTIES THROUGH
230 PM CDT...
At 157 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Goreville, or 11 miles southwest of Marion, moving northeast at 30
mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Lake Of Egypt Area.
This includes the following highways...
Interstate 24 in Illinois between Mile Markers 1 and 4.
Interstate 57 in Illinois between Mile Markers 40 and 50.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 900 PM CDT for southern
Illinois.
&&
LAT...LON 3755 8904 3760 8910 3770 8897 3760 8883
TIME...MOT...LOC 1857Z 236DEG 26KT 3759 8903
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
ATLLocal storm report, Jun 21, 5:16 PM CDT, 15 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Paducah KY
516 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0511 PM Tornado 5 ESE Dix 38.41N 88.85W
06/21/2026 Jefferson IL Emergency Mngr
Tornado reported near Tolle Lane and Austin
Road per Fire Department.
&&
AZLocal storm report, Jun 21, 5:29 PM CDT, 2 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Paducah KY
529 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0509 PM Tornado 3 E Dix 38.44N 88.89W
06/21/2026 Jefferson IL Public
Photo submission of tornado on Facebook by
Texico.
&&
AZThe office that day
Everything else NWS Paducah, KY issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 20, 9:56 PM CDT | Flood Watch | PAH | Edwards, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Perry, Wabash and 2 more | 33 hr |
| Jun 20, 11:08 PM CDT | Lake Wind Advisory | PAH | Franklin, Jefferson, Williamson | 20 hr |
| Jun 21, 1:27 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | PAH | Union | 33 min |
| Jun 21, 1:57 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | PAH | Williamson | 33 min |
| Jun 21, 4:40 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | PAH | Jefferson | 50 min |
| Jun 21, 5:07 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | PAH | Jefferson, Wayne | 30 min |
| Jun 21, 6:13 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | PAH | Wayne | 47 min |
| Jun 21, 6:15 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | PAH | Edwards, Wabash, Wayne | 45 min |
| Jun 21, 6:35 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | PAH | Wabash | 40 min |
| Jun 21, 6:42 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | PAH | Jefferson | 48 min |
| Jun 21, 6:54 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | PAH | Edwards, Wayne | 51 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.