Tornado in Illinois, June 12, 1998

The tornado touched down half a mile east of Illinois Route 37 in the community of Hudgens and moved east-southeast for 2 miles. Damage occurred at several residences in Hudgens. At the first residence, several trees were uprooted, a couple of which were 50 feet tall. Siding on a barn was damaged by flying debris. At a second residence, decking was ripped off a porch, and shingles were blown off. Several large trees were snapped, and a dog house was blown about 40 feet. At a third residence, a barn was demolished with debris scattered in all directions. A vehicle was damaged by flying lawn furniture. At a fourth residence, the fascia on the west eave of the house was found about 300 feet northwest of the house wrapped around a tree trunk. At the fifth residence in Hudgens, a huge oak tree fell on top of a camper, and two other large oak trees were snapped. The only other damage, which occurred at a residence near the end of the track, was significant. A tree caused major roof damage to the house, and a nearby barn lost siding and roofing. Loose objects such as trash cans, lawn chairs, and child's toys were found up to a quarter mile away. Witnesses reported seeing rotating clouds about the time the damage occurred. Peak wind speeds were estimated between 90 and 100 MPH.