Alert archive / Illinois / Tornado Warnings in 2026
Tornado Warning 49, NWS Paducah, KY
NWS Paducah, KY issued this tornado warning at Jun 21, 2026, 7:41 PM CDT for Hamilton County, Wayne County, White County, Illinois. It was in force for 49 min. 3 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, 7:41 PM CDT (00:41 UTC)
- Expired
- Jun 21, 2026, 8:30 PM CDT
- In force
- 49 min
- Issued by
- NWS Paducah, KY
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Tornado
- Radar indicated
- Hail
- 0.75 in
Counties Hamilton County, IL, Wayne County, IL, White County, IL
The radar
The Evansville,IN radar (KVWX), 59 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 00:43 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, 7:41 PM CDT | TORNADO | 2 S Wayne City, IL | Brief tornado spotted south of Wayne City. |
| Jun 21, 7:42 PM CDT | TORNADO | 2 Sse Wayne City, IL | Tornado on the ground south of Wayne City, IL from photo report on X. |
| Jun 21, 8:03 PM CDT | TORNADO | 4 Nne Belle Prairie Cit, IL | Tornado reported northeast of Belle Prairie City. |
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 3 storm reports to this tornado warning; the first came 0 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 |
| Jun 21, 4:43 PM CDT | Tornado Watch | SPC | 8 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Lincoln, IL (KILX), launched 00:00Z, 0.7 hours before the alert went out and 208 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
- 43 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -35 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 643 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 58 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 194 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 223 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
237
WFUS53 KPAH 220041
TORPAH
ILC065-191-193-220130-
/O.NEW.KPAH.TO.W.0049.260622T0041Z-260622T0130Z/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Paducah KY
741 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
Northwestern White County in southeastern Illinois...
Southern Wayne County in south central Illinois...
Northeastern Hamilton County in south central Illinois...
* Until 830 PM CDT.
* At 741 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Wayne City, or 11 miles southwest of 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 745 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Mill
Shoals, Burnt Prairie, and Sims.
This includes Interstate 64 in Illinois between Mile Markers 99 and
116.
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 3821 8825 3823 8838 3828 8864 3839 8862
3840 8823
TIME...MOT...LOC 0041Z 277DEG 26KT 3831 8856
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
$$
SP2 follow-up statements
488
WWUS53 KPAH 220111
SVSPAH
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
811 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
ILC065-191-193-220130-
/O.CON.KPAH.TO.W.0049.000000T0000Z-260622T0130Z/
White IL-Wayne IL-Hamilton IL-
811 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 830 PM CDT FOR
NORTHWESTERN WHITE...SOUTHEASTERN WAYNE AND NORTHEASTERN HAMILTON
COUNTIES...
At 810 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Fairfield, moving east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
northwestern White, southeastern Wayne and northeastern Hamilton
Counties, including the following locations... Mill Shoals and Burnt
Prairie.
This includes Interstate 64 in Illinois between Mile Markers 102 and
116.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 3821 8825 3823 8838 3826 8852 3832 8849
3834 8824
TIME...MOT...LOC 0110Z 276DEG 20KT 3829 8833
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
$$
SP494
WWUS53 KPAH 220115 CCA
SVSPAH
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Paducah KY
815 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
ILC065-191-193-220130-
/O.COR.KPAH.TO.W.0049.000000T0000Z-260622T0130Z/
White IL-Wayne IL-Hamilton IL-
815 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 830 PM CDT FOR
NORTHWESTERN WHITE...SOUTHEASTERN WAYNE AND NORTHEASTERN HAMILTON
COUNTIES...
At 814 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located 8 miles southeast of
Wayne City, or 8 miles southwest of Fairfield, moving east at 20 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.
Locations impacted include...
Mill Shoals and Burnt Prairie.
This includes Interstate 64 in Illinois between Mile Markers 102 and
116.
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 3821 8825 3823 8838 3826 8852 3832 8849
3834 8824
TIME...MOT...LOC 0111Z 274DEG 19KT 3829 8833
TORNADO...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
$$
SPWhat 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, 7 hours 31 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, 7 hours 31 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, 16 hours 25 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, 5:29 PM CDT, 2 hours 12 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.
&&
AZLocal storm report, Jun 21, 7:01 PM CDT, 40 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Paducah KY
701 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0507 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 5 NW Bluford 38.39N 88.78W
06/21/2026 Jefferson IL Public
Extensive tree and power line damage. Some
roof and structural damage. Possible
tornado.
&&
ATLLocal storm report, Jun 21, 7:20 PM CDT, 21 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Paducah KY
720 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0709 PM Tornado 3 ESE Owensville 38.25N 87.64W
06/21/2026 Gibson IN Emergency Mngr
Tornado reported on the ground from 41
between Owensville and Ft. Branch.
&&
AZLocal storm report, Jun 21, 7:33 PM CDT, 8 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Paducah KY
733 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0730 PM Tornado 3 NNE Fort Branch 38.28N 87.55W
06/21/2026 Gibson IN Public
Photo from X showing a tornado NE of Fort
Branch, IN.
&&
AZLocal storm report, Jun 21, 7:35 PM CDT, 6 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Paducah KY
735 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0725 PM Tornado 4 SSE Princeton 38.30N 87.55W
06/21/2026 Gibson IN Emergency Mngr
Tornado reported near CR 350S and CR 100E.
&&
ATLLocal storm report, Jun 21, 7:41 PM CDT, 0 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Paducah KY
741 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0741 PM Tornado 6 NNE Golden Gate 38.44N 88.15W
06/21/2026 Edwards IL Trained Spotter
Tornado on the ground from a trained
spotter.
&&
AZThe office that day
Everything else NWS Paducah, KY issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 21, 7:01 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | PAH | Franklin, Jefferson, Perry | 44 min |
| Jun 21, 7:20 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | PAH | Edwards, Wabash | 40 min |
| Jun 21, 7:39 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | PAH | Edwards, Wabash, Wayne | 27 min |
| Jun 21, 7:44 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | PAH | Edwards, Wabash, Wayne | 3 hr |
| Jun 21, 7:58 PM CDT | Flash Flood Warning | PAH | Edwards, Wabash, Wayne | 6 hr |
| Jun 21, 8:12 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | PAH | Hamilton, White | 48 min |
| Jun 21, 8:28 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | PAH | Edwards, Wabash, Wayne, White | 47 min |
| Jun 21, 8:30 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | PAH | Franklin, Jefferson, Perry | 18 min |
| Jun 21, 8:43 PM CDT | Areal Flood Advisory | PAH | Wabash | 3 hr |
| Jun 21, 8:51 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | PAH | White | 39 min |
| Jun 21, 8:56 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | PAH | Wabash | 49 min |
| Jun 21, 9:18 PM CDT | Flash Flood Warning | PAH | Wabash | 6 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.