Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Illinois, May 30, 2004

Name: Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Illinois, May 30, 2004
Start: 2004-05-30T17:05
End: 2004-05-30T19:40
Location: Illinois

May 30, 2004 · NWS LOT · 47 events in 14 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 7 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 1
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 47

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS LOT wrote it up.

The morning of May 30 started out with a line of showers and thunderstorms moving into north-central Illinois. Other thunderstorms developed over portions of east central Illinois and northwest Indiana. The major threat was heavy rain which produced widespread street flooding. There were also reports of thunderstorm wind damage. The line of thunderstorms continued to march east through northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana and by early afternoon the line had pushed east of the region. By mid afternoon a second line of thunderstorms crossed the Mississippi river into western Illinois and other storms developed over east central Illinois and northwest Indiana. The storms continued to move through the area into early evening. The two lines of thunderstorms produced widespread tree damage. There were also a few reports of lightning damage associated with these storms. Flash flooding was a serious problem as a considerable amount of rain had fallen recently in addition to heavy rains associated with these storms. The storms produced several weak tornadoes over Livingston County Illinois.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Chicago, IL wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 30, 2:15 PM CST, 2 hours 50 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 30, 2:15 PM CST, 2 hours 50 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHICAGO IL
315 PM CDT SUN MAY 30 2004

.DISCUSSION...
WAITING FOR SECOND ROUND OF SEVERE WEATHER TO BEGIN. SAT IMAGERY SHOWS CLOUD
COVER FROM MORNING THUNDERSTORMS NOW THINNING ENOUGH TO ALLOW SOME HEATING.
STORMS ALONG MISSISSIPPI RIVER BEGINNING TO MOVE EAST AND SHOULD MOVE INTO
FORECAST AREA VERY LATE THIS AFTERNOON OR EARLY THIS EVENING. THOUGH AIRMASS IS
WORKED OVER THREAT OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS REMAINS.

RAINFALL AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF 2 INCHES COVERED MOST OF AREA THIS
MORNING/AFTERNOON. GIVEN PREVIOUS WEEKS ANTECEDANT CONDITIONS AND TODAY/S HEAVY
RAINS FLOOD WATCH APPEARS NECESSARY SINCE TONIGHT/S STORMS WILL ONLY AGGRAVATE
THE ISSUE.

&&

.AVIATION...

FOR 12Z TAFS...SHOWERS AND FEW TS POPPED UP ACROSS NORTHERN IL LAST
1-2 HRS. EXPECT THIS ACTIVITY TO REMAIN ISOLATED FIRST FEW HRS OF
TAFS AND PROBABLY BEST HANDLE WITH VICINITY WORDING. LINE OF TS
CURRENTLY MOVING OUT OF EASTERN IA INTO NORTHWEST IL. THIS LINE WILL
PROBABLY DISSIPATE SOME BEFORE REACHING CHICAGO AREA TERMINALS BUT
STILL EXPECT ENOUGH THUNDER TO WARRANT TEMPO GROUP. TS TIMING 13Z AT
RFD 14Z DPA AND 15Z ORD/MDW. AFTER THESE SHOWERS AND TS MOVE THRU
SHOULD BE A 2-4 HR DRY PERIOD BEFORE TS REDEVELOP AHEAD OF FROPA
THIS AFTERNOON. BEST SHOT AT TIMING WOULD BE LATE AFTERNOON 21Z-00Z.
AFTERNOON TS LIKELY TO BE STRONGER THAN MORNING CONVECTION MAYBE A
FEW ISOLATED SVR. WITH LARGE EXTENT TO PRECIP AND MOIST LOW LEVELS
THINK 2-3KFT MVFR CIGS FOR MOST THE PERIOD LOOK GOOD. LOWER MVFR
CIGS AND POSSIBLY BRIEF IFR ASSOCIATED WITH HEAVIER SHOWERS AND TS.
SE WINDS 10-15KTS INCREASE WITH SOME GUSTS TO 20-25KT TODAY...THEN
TURN SOUTHERLY THIS EVENING AND WSW BY THE END OF THE PERIOD.

&&

.LOT...WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
IL...NONE.
IN...NONE.
LK MI...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY SOUTHERN LK MI TODAY AND TONIGHT.

IMPORTANT NOTICE...EFFECTIVE JUNE 8...THE AWIPS IDENTIFIER FOR
THIS PRODUCT WILL CHANGE FROM CHIAFDCHI TO CHIAFDLOT. THE WMO
HEADER FXUS63 KLOT WILL NOT CHANGE.

Hazardous weather outlook, May 30, 3:30 PM CST, 1 hour 35 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHICAGO IL
430 PM CDT SUN MAY 30 2004

ILZ003>006-008-010>014-019>022-023-032-033-039-INZ001-002-010-011-019
-311100-
WINNEBAGO-BOONE-MCHENRY-LAKE IL-OGLE-LEE-DE KALB-KANE-DU PAGE-COOK-
LA SALLE-KENDALL-GRUNDY-WILL-KANKAKEE-LIVINGSTON-IROQUOIS-FORD-
LAKE IN-PORTER-NEWTON-JASPER-BENTON-
430 PM CDT SUN MAY 30 2004

THIS PORTION OF THE HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTH CENTRAL
AND NORTHEAST ILLINOIS...AND NORTHWEST INDIANA.

.DAY ONE... TONIGHT

THERE IS A TORNADO WATCH IN EFFECT FOR NORTH CENTRAL AND NORTHEAST
ILLINOIS AS WELL AS NORTHWEST INDIANA UNTIL 10 PM CDT. A FLOOD WATCH
IS ALSO IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 AM FOR THE SAME AREA.

HEATING FROM THE SUN THIS AFTERNOON AND SURGING DEWPOINTS ON STRONG
SOUTH WINDS HAS SUFFICIENTLY DESTABILIZED THE ATMOSPHERE FOR STRONG
THUNDERSTORMS TO DEVELOP. LOW LEVEL WINDS...A STRONG UPPER LEVEL LOW
PRESSURE SYSTEM...AND A STRONG JET STREAM ALOFT WILL FAVOR ORGANIZED
THUNDERSTORMS. A SQUALL LINE WILL DEVELOP AHEAD OF A COLD FRONT AND
MOVE WEST TO EAST ACROSS NORTHERN ILLINOIS AND NORTHWEST
INDIANA LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND THIS EVENING.

LOCALLY HEAVY DOWNPOURS CONTINUE TO BE A POSSIBILITY WITH THESE STORMS.
RAINFALL OVER FAR NORTHERN ILLINOIS...WHERE MINOR RIVER FLOODING IS
OCCURRING...COULD BE SUFFICIENT TO AGGRAVATE OR PROLONG ONGOING
STREAM FLOODING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN... MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY

THERE IS ALSO A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE AREA
MONDAY. SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE AGAIN TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY
BUT THESE STORMS ARE NOT EXPECTED TO BECOME SEVERE.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTERS WILL LIKELY BE NEEDED TONIGHT AND MONDAY.

&&

COMPLETE FORECAST INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON THE
NWS CHICAGO WEBPAGE: WWW.CRH.NOAA.GOV/LOT (LOWER CASE)

LMZ740>746-766-311100-
WINTHROP HARBOR IL TO NEW BUFFALO MI-
LAKE MICHIGAN-
430 PM CDT SUN MAY 30 2004

THIS PORTION OF THE HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR THE ILLINOIS
AND INDIANA WATERS OF LAKE MICHIGAN.

.DAY ONE... TONIGHT

THERE IS A TORNADO WATCH IN EFFECT FOR NORTH CENTRAL AND NORTHEAST
ILLINOIS AS WELL AS NORTHWEST INDIANA UNTIL 10 PM CDT. THE MAIN THREAT
TO BOATERS WILL BE STRONG GUSTY WINDS...ROUGH SEAS AND LIGHTNING.

SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ALONG A WARM FRONT WILL BECOME
MORE WIDESPREAD MID MORNING THROUGH EARLY OR MID AFTERNOON. THEN A
SQUALL LINE IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP AHEAD OF A COLD FRONT AND SWEEP
ACROSS SOUTHERN LAKE MICHIGAN THIS EVENING.

A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR HAZARDOUS WINDS AND WAVES
TONIGHT AND MONDAY.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN... MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY

THERE IS ALSO A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE AREA
MONDAY. SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE AGAIN TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY
BUT THESE STORMS ARE NOT EXPECTED TO BECOME SEVERE.

&&

COMPLETE FORECAST INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON THE
NWS CHICAGO WEBPAGE: WWW.CRH.NOAA.GOV/LOT (LOWER CASE)

CLK

In the hours before

Local storm report, May 30, 11:58 AM CST, 5 hours 7 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHICAGO IL
1258 PM CDT SUN MAY 30 2004

..TIME...   ...EVENT...     ...CITY LOCATION...      ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....     ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1105 AM     DOWNBURST        NAPERVILLE              41.76N 88.15W
05/30/2004                   DUPAGE             IL   AMATEUR RADIO

            STREET FLOODING ALONG ROUTE 34.

1252 AM     TSTM WND DMG     HEBRON                  42.47N 88.43W
05/30/2004                   MCHENRY            IL   TRAINED SPOTTER

            POWER LINES AND LARGE LIMBS DOWN.

&&

WEN

Local storm report, May 30, 12:14 PM CST, 4 hours 51 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHICAGO IL
1258 PM CDT SUN MAY 30 2004...CORRECTION

..TIME...   ...EVENT...     ...CITY LOCATION...      ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....     ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1105 AM     FLOOD            NAPERVILLE              41.76N 88.15W
05/30/2004                   DUPAGE             IL   AMATEUR RADIO

            STREET FLOODING ALONG ROUTE 34.

1252 AM     TSTM WND DMG     HEBRON                  42.47N 88.43W
05/30/2004                   PORTER            IN   TRAINED SPOTTER

            POWER LINES AND LARGE LIMBS DOWN.

&&

WEN

Local storm report, May 30, 1:28 PM CST, 3 hours 37 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT ... CORRECTION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHICAGO IL
228 PM CDT SUN MAY 30 2004

..TIME...   ...EVENT...     ...CITY LOCATION...      ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....     ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0157 PM     FLOOD            KOUTS                   41.32N 87.03W
05/30/2004                   PORTER             IN   TRAINED SPOTTER

            STREET FLOODING.

0145 PM     FLOOD            EARL PARK               40.69N 87.42W
05/30/2004                   BENTON             IN   TRAINED SPOTTER

            STREET FLOODING - ONE INCH OF RAIN IN 15 MINUTES.

1252 PM     TSTM WND DMG     10 SW VALPARAISO        41.37N 87.19W
05/30/2004                   PORTER             IN   TRAINED SPOTTER

            POWER LINES AND LARGE LIMBS DOWN IN HEBRON INDIANA.

1240 PM     FLOOD            BRADLEY                 41.15N 87.86W
05/30/2004                   KANKAKEE           IL   TRAINED SPOTTER

            STREET FLOODING - BROADWAY ST.

1200 PM     TSTM WND DMG     WILMINGTON              41.30N 88.16W
05/30/2004                   WILL               IL   LAW ENFORCEMENT

            2 LARGE TREES DOWN.

1130 AM     FLOOD            JOLIET                  41.53N 88.12W
05/30/2004                   WILL               IL   LAW ENFORCEMENT

            STREET FLOODING - BRIGGS ST.

1120 AM     FLASH FLOOD      JOLIET                  41.53N 88.12W
05/30/2004                   WILL               IL   LAW ENFORCEMENT

            STREET FLOODING

1120 AM     FLOOD            WHEATON                 41.86N 88.11W
05/30/2004                   DUPAGE             IL   EMERGENCY MNGR

            STREET FLOODING - PARK ST AND MAIN ST CLOSED.

1120 AM     FLOOD            CLARENDON HILLS         41.80N 87.96W
05/30/2004                   DUPAGE             IL   TRAINED SPOTTER

            STREET FLOODING

1115 AM     FLOOD            WINFIELD                41.87N 88.15W
05/30/2004                   DUPAGE             IL   EMERGENCY MNGR

            STREET FLOODING

1110 AM     LIGHTNING        JOLIET                  41.53N 88.12W
05/30/2004                   WILL               IL   EMERGENCY MNGR

            HOUSE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING AT ON BORSHIRE.

1110 AM     LIGHTNING        MINOOKA                 41.45N 88.26W
05/30/2004                   WILL               IL   EMERGENCY MNGR

            STRUCTURE FIRE IN SHADY OAKS TRAILER PARK.

1105 AM     FLOOD            NAPERVILLE              41.76N 88.15W
05/30/2004                   DUPAGE             IL   AMATEUR RADIO

            STREET FLOODING ALONG ROUTE 34.

1100 AM     FLOOD            DE KALB                 41.93N 88.75W
05/30/2004                   DE KALB            IL   EMERGENCY MNGR

            STREET FLOODING - 1.90 INCHES IN JUST OVER AN HOUR.

1030 AM     FLOOD            OTTAWA                  41.35N 88.84W
05/30/2004                   LA SALLE           IL   TRAINED SPOTTER

            STREET FLOODING - 1.05 INCHES

1000 AM     FLOOD            PALATINE                42.11N 88.04W
05/30/2004                   COOK               IL   PUBLIC

            STREET FLOODING.

0950 AM     TSTM WND DMG     OTTAWA                  41.35N 88.84W
05/30/2004                   LA SALLE           IL   TRAINED SPOTTER

            MANY LIMBS DOWN ON SOUTH SIDE OF TOWN.

&&

WEN

Local storm report, May 30, 1:55 PM CST, 3 hours 10 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT ... SUMMARY
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHICAGO IL
255 PM CDT SUN MAY 30 2004

..TIME...   ...EVENT...     ...CITY LOCATION...      ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....     ..COUNTY LOCATION...ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0215 PM     FLOOD            4 WNW BOSWELL           40.54N 87.45W
05/30/2004                   BENTON             IN   TRAINED SPOTTER

            RURAL ROADS FLOODED.

0157 PM     FLOOD            KOUTS                   41.32N 87.03W
05/30/2004                   PORTER             IN   TRAINED SPOTTER

            STREET FLOODING.

0145 PM     FLOOD            EARL PARK               40.69N 87.42W
05/30/2004                   BENTON             IN   TRAINED SPOTTER

            STREET FLOODING - ONE INCH OF RAIN IN 15 MINUTES.

1252 PM     TSTM WND DMG     10 SW VALPARAISO        41.37N 87.19W
05/30/2004                   PORTER             IN   TRAINED SPOTTER

            POWER LINES AND LARGE LIMBS DOWN IN HEBRON INDIANA.

1240 PM     FLOOD            BRADLEY                 41.15N 87.86W
05/30/2004                   KANKAKEE           IL   TRAINED SPOTTER

            STREET FLOODING - BROADWAY ST.

1200 PM     TSTM WND DMG     WILMINGTON              41.30N 88.16W
05/30/2004                   WILL               IL   LAW ENFORCEMENT

            2 LARGE TREES DOWN.

1130 AM     FLOOD            JOLIET                  41.53N 88.12W
05/30/2004                   WILL               IL   LAW ENFORCEMENT

            STREET FLOODING - BRIGGS ST.

1120 AM     FLOOD            WHEATON                 41.86N 88.11W
05/30/2004                   DUPAGE             IL   EMERGENCY MNGR

            STREET FLOODING - PARK ST AND MAIN ST CLOSED.

1120 AM     FLOOD            CLARENDON HILLS         41.80N 87.96W
05/30/2004                   DUPAGE             IL   TRAINED SPOTTER

            STREET FLOODING

1120 AM     FLASH FLOOD      JOLIET                  41.53N 88.12W
05/30/2004                   WILL               IL   LAW ENFORCEMENT

            STREET FLOODING

1117 AM     TSTM WND DMG     ROMEOVILLE              41.65N 88.09W
05/30/2004                   WILL               IL   EMERGENCY MNGR

            POWER LINES DOWN - STREET FLOODING.

1115 AM     FLOOD            WINFIELD                41.87N 88.15W
05/30/2004                   DUPAGE             IL   EMERGENCY MNGR

            STREET FLOODING

1110 AM     LIGHTNING        MINOOKA                 41.45N 88.26W
05/30/2004                   WILL               IL   EMERGENCY MNGR

            STRUCTURE FIRE IN SHADY OAKS TRAILER PARK.

1110 AM     LIGHTNING        JOLIET                  41.53N 88.12W
05/30/2004                   WILL               IL   EMERGENCY MNGR

            HOUSE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING AT ON BORSHIRE.

1105 AM     FLOOD            NAPERVILLE              41.76N 88.15W
05/30/2004                   DUPAGE             IL   AMATEUR RADIO

            STREET FLOODING ALONG ROUTE 34.

1100 AM     FLOOD            DE KALB                 41.93N 88.75W
05/30/2004                   DE KALB            IL   EMERGENCY MNGR

            STREET FLOODING - 1.90 INCHES IN JUST OVER AN HOUR.

1030 AM     FLOOD            OTTAWA                  41.35N 88.84W
05/30/2004                   LA SALLE           IL   TRAINED SPOTTER

            STREET FLOODING - 1.05 INCHES

1000 AM     FLOOD            PALATINE                42.11N 88.04W
05/30/2004                   COOK               IL   PUBLIC

            STREET FLOODING.

0950 AM     TSTM WND DMG     OTTAWA                  41.35N 88.84W
05/30/2004                   LA SALLE           IL   TRAINED SPOTTER

            MANY LIMBS DOWN ON SOUTH SIDE OF TOWN.

&&
THIS LSR MAY BE UPDATED IF ANY FURTHER REPORTS ARE RECEIVED.

WEN

Special weather statement, May 30, 3:14 PM CST, 1 hour 51 minutes before

INZ002-INZ003-INZ010-INZ011-INZ019-310000-

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHICAGO IL
414 PM CDT SUN MAY 30 2004

INZ002-003-010-011-019-310000-
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CHICAGO HAS CLEARED ALL COUNTIES
IN TORNADO WATCH 331. COUNTIES CLEARED INCLUDE:

IN INDIANA:
BENTON...JASPER...LA PORTE...NEWTON...PORTER...

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF...FOWLER...LA PORTE...MOROCCO...
RENSSELAER...VALPARAISO...

TORNADO WATCH NUMBER 339 WILL REPLACE TORNADO WATCH 331 FOR
BENTON...JASPER...LA PORTE...NEWTON...AND PORTER COUNTIES.
TORNADO WATCH NUMBER 339 WILL BE IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT.

The radar

The Chicago radar (KLOT), 95 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 23:06 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

31 thunderstorm wind, 7 flash flood, 5 hail, 4 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Iroquois

When: May 30, 5:05 PM CST
Where: Iroquois County, Crescent City
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 40.767, -87.867

Silos were damaged north of town.

Thunderstorm Wind, La Salle

When: May 30, 5:05 PM CST
Where: La Salle County, 2 mi N of Sheridan
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 41.567, -88.683

The roof was torn off of a log home on County Road 2551 East.

Hail, Livingston

When: May 30, 5:07 PM CST to 5:12 PM CST
Where: Livingston County, 3 mi ENE of Blackstone
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 41.100, -88.633

Reported at the intersection of Routes 170 and 17.

Hail, La Salle

When: May 30, 5:10 PM CST to 5:15 PM CST
Where: La Salle County, Ransom
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 41.150, -88.667

Tornado, Livingston

When: May 30, 5:11 PM CST to 5:26 PM CST
Where: Livingston County, 8 mi SW of Pontiac
Rating: F1
Path length: 12 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: NWS STORM SURVEY
Coordinates: 40.783, -88.717

This event was a series of short tornado segments south of Pontiac. It began 8 miles southwest of Pontiac near County Roads 1400 North and 900 East. A barn roof was torn off and a large tree was snapped near 1000 East. Trees and limbs were blown down and farm outbuildings were damaged along County Road 1400 North. The damage ended at Pike Creek about one half mile west of 1200 East, where doors of a shed were blown out. Additional damage began just east of Interstate 55, north of County Road 1400 North. Trees and limbs were down at County Road 1325 East and near a nursing home on Old Route 66. Damage occurred again near County Road 1700 East, north of County Road 1400 North, where a house had roof damage and trees were blown down. Tree limbs were damaged on County Roads 1775 East and 1800 East. The most intense damage was on Billet Rd., about 1/2 mile north of County Road 1400 North, near the Vermillion River. About 1 dozen large trees were snapped in this area. The damage path was up to 50 yards wide at this point and the tornado was rated F1. The damage ended near County Roads 2000 East and 1500 North, where an old barn was blown down. This is 5 miles southeast of Pontiac. The total path was 12 miles.

Tornado, Livingston

When: May 30, 5:12 PM CST
Where: Livingston County, 6 mi SW of Dwight
Rating: F0
Path length: 0.2 mi
Path width: 20 yd
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 41.017, -88.517

An experienced storm spotter and chaser reported a tornado 6 miles southwest of Dwight. Trees were damaged in this area. It had a brief narrow path.

Thunderstorm Wind, Livingston

When: May 30, 5:25 PM CST
Where: Livingston County, Pontiac
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 40.867, -88.617

Trees were uprooted.

Thunderstorm Wind, De Kalb

When: May 30, 5:25 PM CST
Where: De Kalb County, De Kalb
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 41.933, -88.750

Trees were snapped off south of Bethany Road and west of State Road 23. Tree branches were down north of Route 38. A shopping center under construction on the north side of De Kalb was damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind, Livingston

When: May 30, 5:25 PM CST
Where: Livingston County, Pontiac
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 40.867, -88.617

Trees were blown down on Route 116 east of Lafayette Street, and trees were down in various location in Pontiac.

Flash Flood, Livingston

When: May 30, 5:30 PM CST to 6:30 PM CST
Where: Livingston County, 8 mi W of Dwight
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 40.892, -88.558 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Roads were closed due to flooding.

Tornado, Livingston

When: May 30, 5:32 PM CST
Where: Livingston County, 3 mi W of Saunemin
Rating: F0
Path length: 0.2 mi
Path width: 20 yd
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 40.900, -88.450

A trained spotter reported and photographed a tornado west of Saunemin. Trees were knocked down on the north side of State Road 116 near 2500 East, about 3 miles west of Saunemin.

Thunderstorm Wind, Kendall

When: May 30, 5:35 PM CST
Where: Kendall County, Yorkville
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 41.633, -88.450

Trees were blown down at the intersection of Route 47 and Route 126.

Thunderstorm Wind, Livingston

When: May 30, 5:35 PM CST
Where: Livingston County, 4 mi W of Dwight
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 41.083, -88.517

Trees were blown down on Route 17.

Hail, Kankakee

When: May 30, 5:37 PM CST to 5:42 PM CST
Where: Kankakee County, Reddick
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.117, -88.233

Thunderstorm Wind, Kendall

When: May 30, 5:38 PM CST
Where: Kendall County, Yorkville
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.633, -88.450

Trees and tree limbs were blown down at the Kendall County Government Center at the intersection of Route 34 and Cannonball Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Kendall

When: May 30, 5:40 PM CST to 5:45 PM CST
Where: Kendall County, Countywide
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.683, -88.367

Trees and tree limbs were blown down. Also, trees were down at campground east of Millbrook. Tree limbs were down on a power line in Yorkville. A tree was down on a car in Little Rock. Another tree was down on a power line 3 miles south of Plano.

Tornado, Livingston

When: May 30, 5:40 PM CST to 5:42 PM CST
Where: Livingston County, 4 mi W of Cullom
Rating: F0
Path length: 1 mi
Path width: 20 yd
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 40.883, -88.333

A brief, narrow tornado occurred along a 1 mile path on County Road 1700 North, from County Road 3100 East to about 3200 East. This is about 3.5 to 2.5 miles west of Cullom. There was minor damage to trees and a farm building.

Thunderstorm Wind, Kendall

When: May 30, 5:41 PM CST
Where: Kendall County, 4 mi N of Plano
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Injuries: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.717, -88.533

A tree was down on a car with a person trapped inside.

Thunderstorm Wind, La Salle

When: May 30, 5:45 PM CST
Where: La Salle County, Ottawa
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 41.350, -88.850

Trees were blown down at the water tower.

Flash Flood, La Salle

When: May 30, 5:45 PM CST to 6:45 PM CST
Where: La Salle County, Mendota
Reported by: NWS EMPLOYEE(OFF DUTY)
Coordinates: 41.344, -88.886 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Street flooding was reported and creeks overflowed their banks. A total of 1.5 inches of rain fell in 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ford

When: May 30, 5:50 PM CST
Where: Ford County, Gibson City
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 40.467, -88.367

Tree limbs were down. A drive-in movie theater movie screen was damaged and signs were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ford

When: May 30, 5:50 PM CST
Where: Ford County, 10 mi N of Piper City
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS STORM SURVEY
Coordinates: 40.900, -88.183

Downburst winds damaged large trees in northern Ford County at County Roads 1300 East and 3400 North. This is about 2.5 miles northeast of Cullom.

Thunderstorm Wind, Grundy

When: May 30, 5:51 PM CST
Where: Grundy County, Coal City
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: GENERAL PUBLIC
Coordinates: 41.283, -88.283

Tree limbs and power lines were down.

Flash Flood, Cook

When: May 30, 5:52 PM CST to 7:30 PM CST
Where: Cook County, Countywide
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 41.895, -87.646 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Flooding was reported at Gaelic Park in Oak Forest. Water was up to the hoods of cars. In Streamwood, Poplar Creek was out of its banks. Street flooding occurred at Rand Road and Kennicott Avenue in Arlington Heights. Tinley Park had street flooding and 1.45 inches of rain fell in one hour. Standing water in roads was reported in Oak Forest.

Thunderstorm Wind, Kane

When: May 30, 5:55 PM CST
Where: Kane County, Aurora
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.767, -88.317

Trees were uprooted at the intersection of Dugan Avenue and Route 30.

Hail, Kankakee

When: May 30, 5:58 PM CST to 6:03 PM CST
Where: Kankakee County, Essex
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 41.183, -88.183

Thunderstorm Wind, Kane

When: May 30, 5:58 PM CST
Where: Kane County, Elgin
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: GENERAL PUBLIC
Coordinates: 42.033, -88.283

Power lines were blown down.

Flash Flood, Kendall

When: May 30, 6:00 PM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Kendall County, Yorkville
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.591, -88.429 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Roads were flooded.

Thunderstorm Wind, Will

When: May 30, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Will County, Joliet
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.533, -88.100

Power poles were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Du Page

When: May 30, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Du Page County, Lombard
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.883, -88.017

Trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Kane

When: May 30, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Kane County, Batavia
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.850, -88.317

Trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Kane

When: May 30, 6:05 PM CST
Where: Kane County, Carpentersville
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 42.133, -88.250

A wind gust measured with unoffical equipment. Also, trees were blown down.

Hail, Kane

When: May 30, 6:05 PM CST to 6:10 PM CST
Where: Kane County, Carpentersville
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 42.133, -88.250

Flash Flood, Lake

When: May 30, 6:05 PM CST to 7:05 PM CST
Where: Lake County, Gurnee
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 42.349, -87.862 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Street flooding occurred.

Thunderstorm Wind, Kankakee

When: May 30, 6:10 PM CST
Where: Kankakee County, 2 mi E of Bonfield
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.150, -88.017

A large tree was blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cook

When: May 30, 6:10 PM CST
Where: Cook County, Streamwood
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: GENERAL PUBLIC
Coordinates: 42.033, -88.167

Trees, tree limbs and power lines were down.

Flash Flood, Will

When: May 30, 6:25 PM CST to 7:25 PM CST
Where: Will County, Channahon
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.445, -87.979 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A park was under water.

Thunderstorm Wind, McHenry

When: May 30, 6:25 PM CST
Where: McHenry County, 2 mi NE of Cary
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: GENERAL PUBLIC
Coordinates: 42.217, -88.200

Large tree limbs were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Kankakee

When: May 30, 6:25 PM CST
Where: Kankakee County, Aroma Park
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.083, -87.800

Several trees were blown down south and east of Aroma Park.

Thunderstorm Wind, Grundy

When: May 30, 6:30 PM CST
Where: Grundy County, Coal City
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: GENERAL PUBLIC
Coordinates: 41.283, -88.283

Trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Will

When: May 30, 6:30 PM CST
Where: Will County, Monee
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.417, -87.733

Large trees were down on Stuenkel Road, north of Monee.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cook

When: May 30, 6:34 PM CST
Where: Cook County, Homewood
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 41.550, -87.650

Two inch diameter tree limbs were down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Kankakee

When: May 30, 6:35 PM CST
Where: Kankakee County, Momence
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: EMERGENCY MANAGER
Coordinates: 41.167, -87.667

Several tree limbs were blown down.

Flash Flood, Will

When: May 30, 6:40 PM CST to 7:40 PM CST
Where: Will County, Monee
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER
Coordinates: 41.445, -87.979 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Flooding occurred at the intersection of Route 53 and Manhattan Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cook

When: May 30, 6:42 PM CST
Where: Cook County, Homewood
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: AMATEUR RADIO
Coordinates: 41.550, -87.650

Large tree limbs were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cook

When: May 30, 6:44 PM CST
Where: Cook County, Chicago
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: GENERAL PUBLIC
Coordinates: 41.833, -87.650

Large tree limbs were blown down and shingles were blown off a roof at 54th Street and Kedvale Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Iroquois

When: May 30, 6:48 PM CST
Where: Iroquois County, Crescent City
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: GENERAL PUBLIC
Coordinates: 40.767, -87.867

Towers and antennas were bent.

What these are

Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.
Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Illinois in 2004 Every state in 2004 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Illinois, 2004 Warnings in Illinois, May 2004

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 5397222, 5397223, 5397224, 5397225, 5397474, 5397306, 5397309, 5397310, 5397311, 5397313, 5397312, 5397314, 5397315, 5397316, 5397308, 5397307, 5397473, 5397317, 5397318, 5397319, 5397320, 5397475, 5397321, 5397389, 5397390, 5397391, 5397392, 5397393, 5397394, 5397395, 5397396, 5397397, 5397398, 5397399, 5397400, 5397401, 5397402, 5397403, 5397404, 5397405, and more.