A large severe thunderstorm bow echo moved across portions of Knox, Stark, Marshall, and Peoria counties during the afternoon hours of the 23rd causing significant damage.
Widespread damage occurred across the city of Galesburg by wind gusts in the 70 to 80 mph range. These wind speeds continued for several miles past Galesburg, to the Wataga and Victoria areas. Within the city of Galesburg, enhanced damage was caused by a fast-moving microburst, which produced estimated wind speeds of around 100 mph.
Within the city of Galesburg, the area of damage was about 8 miles wide. A wind gust of 74 mph was reported at the Galesburg Municipal Airport at 1:09 pm, before the automated weather station failed. Damage began in the city of Galesburg around 1:10 pm, and continued within the city limits for approximately 5 minutes. There were more than 500 trees either damaged or destroyed. Falling trees or large tree limbs resulted in significant damage to dozens of buildings and vehicles. Numerous buildings sustained damage to roofing and chimneys, as well as minor damage to siding and broken windows. About 20 power poles were snapped, and numerous power lines were brought down. At least two semi-trailers were blown over on U.S. Highway 34 west of Galesburg, and on I-74 just east of Galesburg.
An area of enhanced wind damage was found within the city as well. This area was about 1/2 mile wide, and 2 miles long. It began close to the intersection of Knox and Pine Streets, and continued to the northeast, crossing the intersections of Grand Avenue and Oak Street, Farnham and East Main Street, and extending to Illini Drive and the Soangetaha Country Club east of I-74. Significant damage to trees, fences, garages and a business occurred around 1:15 pm. Several homes sustained roof and siding damage, primarily from debris and falling tree limbs.
The storm injured 7 people in Galesburg, with cuts and broken bones
The city of Knoxville, about 4 miles southeast of Galesburg, also sustained widespread wind damage, shortly after 1:15 pm. Wind speeds were estimated to be 60-80 mph. Extensive damage was done to trees and power lines. Roofs and autos were damaged, mainly from falling trees and limbs.
Wataga, 4 miles northeast of Galesburg, was affected by the high winds around 1:20 pm. Winds estimated at 60-80 mph also produced damage to trees, and downed power lines.
The town of Victoria, 15 miles east-northeast of Galesburg, also sustained 60-80 mph wind gusts. The damaging wind struck around 1:25 pm, downing trees and power lines. A man was killed in rural Victoria after a falling tree struck him.
Numerous farm fields sustained damage in northern Knox County, due to the high winds. Corn stalks and soybean plants were flattened as a result.
Additional tree, crop and power line damage occurred across Stark, Marshall and northern Peoria counties.