Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Illinois, April 19 to 20, 2011

Name: Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Illinois, April 19 to 20, 2011
Start: 2011-04-19T16:24
End: 2011-04-20T01:30
Location: Illinois

April 19 to 20, 2011 · NWS ILX · 74 events in 23 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. 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: 0
Property damage: $2.9 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 74

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 ILX wrote it up.

A deepening area of low pressure tracked along the I-72 corridor during the evening of April 19th. A very sharp temperature gradient existed across central Illinois at the time, with readings ranging from the middle 40s north of the low track to around 80 degrees to the south. Severe thunderstorms developed along this strong frontal boundary in advance of the approaching low, producing widespread wind damage and large hail. In addition, 6 tornadoes touched down from Christian County east-northeast into Vermilion and Edgar counties.

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 Lincoln, IL wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Apr 19, 2:00 PM CST, 2 hours 24 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Apr 19, 2:00 PM CST, 2 hours 24 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LINCOLN IL
300 PM CDT TUE APR 19 2011

.DISCUSSION...
ISSUED 300 PM CDT TUE APR 19 2011

ACTIVE WEATHER PATTERN WILL CONTINUE FOR THE NEXT WEEK...RESULTING
IN NUMEROUS PERIODS OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.

SHORT TERM...TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY

LOW PRESSURE CURRENTLY DEVELOPING OVER NORTHERN MISSOURI WILL
TRACK E/NE ACROSS CENTRAL ILLINOIS THIS EVENING...TRIGGERING A
ROUND OF STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS. HIGHEST PROBABILITY OF
SEVERE WILL BE FOUND IN THE WARM SECTOR NEAR THE SURFACE LOW
TRACK...ROUGHLY ALONG AND SOUTHEAST OF A SPRINGFIELD TO DANVILLE
LINE. FORECAST SOUNDINGS CONTINUE TO INDICATE MODERATE INSTABILITY
AND A HIGH DEGREE OF LOW-LEVEL WIND SHEAR IN THE WARM SECTOR.
ONCE THE MID-LEVEL CAP IS BROKEN...SUPERCELL THUNDERSTORMS WILL
INITIATE ALONG AN ADVANCING COLD FRONT AFTER 5 PM. LARGE
HAIL...DAMAGING WIND GUSTS...AND A FEW TORNADOES WILL BE POSSIBLE.
NAM/GFS/4KM WRF-NMM ALL AGREE THAT SURFACE LOW AND TRAILING COLD
FRONT WILL CLEAR THE KILX CWA SHORTLY AFTER MIDNIGHT. HAVE
THEREFORE GONE WITH CATEGORICAL POPS ACROSS THE BOARD THIS
EVENING...THEN ONLY HELD ONTO LOW CHANCE ALONG AND EAST OF I-57
AFTER MIDNIGHT.

HIGH PRESSURE WILL BUILD INTO THE MIDWEST ON WEDNESDAY...PROVIDING
COOL AND DRY CONDITIONS. AS THE HIGH SHIFTS OFF TO THE EAST AND
THE NEXT IN A SERIES OF FAST-MOVING STORM SYSTEMS BEGINS TO
APPROACH FROM THE WEST...SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL DEVELOP
ACROSS WEST-CENTRAL ILLINOIS BY LATE THURSDAY AFTERNOON. BETTER
RAIN CHANCES WILL ARRIVE THURSDAY NIGHT...AS AN AREA OF SYNOPTIC
LIFT ASSOCIATED WITH STRONG MID-LEVEL WARM ADVECTION DEVELOPS
NORTH OF A WARM FRONT STRETCHING ACROSS SOUTHERN MISSOURI INTO THE
OHIO RIVER VALLEY. SURFACE LOW PRESSURE IS PROGGED TO DEVELOP
ALONG THE FRONT AND BEGIN TRACKING E/NE TOWARD ILLINOIS ON FRIDAY.
MODELS HAVE DIFFERING SOLUTIONS CONCERNING EXACT TRACK OF
LOW...WITH GFS TAKING IT IN A MORE NORTHERLY DIRECTION INTO
SOUTHERN WISCONSIN BY LATE FRIDAY NIGHT AND THE ECMWF PUSHING IT
NORTHEASTERLY INTO NORTHERN INDIANA. GIVEN THE FLAT ZONAL FLOW
PATTERN IN PLACE ACROSS THE CONUS...FAVOR THE ECMWF IN THIS CASE.
WITH SURFACE LOW ONCE AGAIN TRACKING RIGHT ACROSS CENTRAL
ILLINOIS...STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE ACROSS
PARTS OF THE AREA FRIDAY AFTERNOON/EVENING. IN ADDITION...LARGE
TEMPERATURE GRADIENT WILL LIKELY DEVELOP ACROSS THE AREA...WITH
HIGHS HOVERING IN THE MIDDLE 50S NORTH OF PEORIA AND SOARING INTO
THE MIDDLE 70S ACROSS THE E/SE CWA.

LONG TERM...SATURDAY THROUGH TUESDAY

STILL QUITE A BIT OF UNCERTAINTY CONCERNING POSITION OF MAIN
BAROCLINIC ZONE OVER THE WEEKEND. IN THE WAKE OF THE FRIDAY
WAVE...GFS PUSHES FRONT SOUTHWARD TO NEAR THE OHIO RIVER WHILE
THE ECMWF MAINTAINS IT A BIT FURTHER NORTH ALONG I-70. ECMWF IS
PROBABLY THE WAY TO GO HERE...SO WILL KEEP RAIN CHANCES GOING
ACROSS THE SOUTHERN CWA ON SATURDAY. FURTHER NORTH...THINK A BRIEF
BREAK IN THE PRECIP WILL BE IN STORE ACROSS THE REMAINDER OF THE
AREA. ANY LULL IN PRECIP WILL BE SHORT-LIVED...AS NEXT UPPER WAVE
APPROACHING FROM THE WEST HELPS PULL THE BOUNDARY BACK NORTHWARD
ON SUNDAY/MONDAY. END RESULT WILL BE SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS
ACROSS THE BOARD FROM SUNDAY THROUGH TUESDAY. LOCALLY HEAVY
RAINFALL WILL BE LIKELY OVER THE NEXT WEEK...SO FLOODING MAY
BECOME AN ISSUE ON MANY AREA STREAMS/RIVERS.

BARNES
&&

.AVIATION...
ISSUED 104 PM CDT TUE APR 19 2011

SPI...DEC AND CMI WILL SEE THE WARM FRONT LIFT OVER THE SITES IN
NEXT COUPLE OF HOURS. PIA AND BMI SHOULD REMAIN NORTH OF THE FRONT
THROUGH THE AFTERNOON. SPI...DEC AND CMI SHOULD SEE SOME SCATTERED
CLOUD COVER THIS AFTERNOON WITH THE WARM FRONT BUT THEN
THUNDERSTORMS WILL DEVELOP WEST OF THE AREA OR NEW THE WARM FRONT
TO THE WEST AND MOVE TO THE EAST INTO THE AREA. HAVE TIMED PCPN
INTO EACH SITE FOR A 3HR PERIOD AROUND 00Z. ONCE PCPN HAS
ENDED...WINDS WILL BECOME NORTHWESTERLY AS THE LOW MOVES BY AND
LOW CLOUDS BELOW 1KFT WILL RETURN. THIS CLOUD HEIGHT WILL CONTINUE
THROUGH THE OVERNIGHT HOURS AND THEN IMPROVE TOMORROW MORNING. PIA
AND BMI WILL SEE RAIN BEGIN LATER THIS AFTERNOON AS WELL BUT
UNSURE ON AMOUNT OF THUNDERSTORMS IN THEIR AREA...SO WENT WITH
VCTS FOR THOSE TWO SITES FOR SEVERAL HOURS. THEN LOWER CLOUDS WITH
WINDS OUT OF NORTHWEST WILL CONTINUE DURING EVENING AND OVERNIGHT
HOURS. CLOUD COVER HEIGHT COULD IMPROVE SOMEWHAT DURING THE
MORNING AS WELL.

AUTEN
&&

.ILX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NONE.
&&

Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 19, 2:52 PM CST, 1 hour 32 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LINCOLN IL
352 PM CDT TUE APR 19 2011

ILZ027>031-036>038-201100-
FULTON-KNOX-MARSHALL-MCLEAN-PEORIA-STARK-TAZEWELL-WOODFORD-
352 PM CDT TUE APR 19 2011

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL
ILLINOIS.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT

THUNDERSTORMS WILL DEVELOP EARLY THIS EVENING...PRIMARILY ALONG
AND EAST OF THE ILLINOIS RIVER. A FEW OF THE STORMS COULD BECOME
SEVERE...PRODUCING LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WIND GUSTS. THE MAIN
TORNADO THREAT WILL LIKELY REMAIN A BIT FURTHER SOUTHEAST ALONG
AND EAST OF I-55.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY

ANOTHER STORM SYSTEM WILL BRING A CHANCE FOR THUNDERSTORMS THURSDAY
NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT. YET ANOTHER CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS
WILL OCCUR ON SUNDAY AND MONDAY.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION MAY BE NEEDED BETWEEN 6 PM AND MIDNIGHT.

ILZ040>057-061>063-066>068-071>073-201100-
CASS-CHAMPAIGN-CHRISTIAN-CLARK-CLAY-COLES-CRAWFORD-CUMBERLAND-
DE WITT-DOUGLAS-EDGAR-EFFINGHAM-JASPER-LAWRENCE-LOGAN-MACON-MASON-
MENARD-MORGAN-MOULTRIE-PIATT-RICHLAND-SANGAMON-SCHUYLER-SCOTT-
SHELBY-VERMILION-
352 PM CDT TUE APR 19 2011

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL
ILLINOIS...EAST CENTRAL ILLINOIS AND SOUTHEAST ILLINOIS.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT

THUNDERSTORMS WILL DEVELOP EARLY THIS EVENING IN ADVANCE OF A COLD
FRONT. SOME OF THE STORMS WILL BECOME SEVERE...PRODUCING LARGE
HAIL...DAMAGING WIND GUSTS...AND TORNADOES. LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL
WILL BE POSSIBLE AS WELL.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY

ANOTHER STORM SYSTEM WILL BRING A CHANCE FOR THUNDERSTORMS THURSDAY
NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT. YET ANOTHER CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS
WILL OCCUR ON SUNDAY AND MONDAY.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION MAY BE NEEDED BETWEEN 6 PM AND MIDNIGHT.

BARNES

In the hours before

Local storm report, Apr 19, 10:26 AM CST, 5 hours 58 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...SUMMARY
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LINCOLN IL
1126 AM CDT TUE APR 19 2011

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

0515 AM     HAIL             BLUFFS                  39.75N 90.53W
04/19/2011  E1.00 INCH       SCOTT              IL   LAW ENFORCEMENT

            LARGE QUANTITY OF QUARTER SIZED HAIL WITH CAR DAMAGE.

0523 AM     HAIL             JACKSONVILLE            39.73N 90.23W
04/19/2011  E1.50 INCH       MORGAN             IL   CO-OP OBSERVER

0543 AM     HAIL             GLASGOW                 39.55N 90.48W
04/19/2011  E1.00 INCH       SCOTT              IL   LAW ENFORCEMENT

0853 AM     HAIL             MASON                   38.95N 88.63W
04/19/2011  E1.00 INCH       EFFINGHAM          IL   EMERGENCY MNGR

0858 AM     HAIL             BEECHER CITY            39.19N 88.79W
04/19/2011  E0.50 INCH       EFFINGHAM          IL   CO-OP OBSERVER

            TIME ESTIMATED.

0913 AM     HAIL             EAST PEORIA             40.67N 89.55W
04/19/2011  E0.25 INCH       TAZEWELL           IL   TRAINED SPOTTER

            PEA HAIL COVERING THE GROUND.

0923 AM     HAIL             NEOGA                   39.32N 88.45W
04/19/2011  E0.50 INCH       CUMBERLAND         IL   TRAINED SPOTTER

0925 AM     HAIL             LERNA                   39.42N 88.29W
04/19/2011  E0.50 INCH       COLES              IL   EMERGENCY MNGR

0928 AM     HAIL             NEOGA                   39.32N 88.45W
04/19/2011  E1.25 INCH       CUMBERLAND         IL   PUBLIC

0931 AM     HAIL             LERNA                   39.42N 88.29W
04/19/2011  E1.00 INCH       COLES              IL   PUBLIC

0934 AM     HAIL             HERRICK                 39.22N 88.99W
04/19/2011  E0.50 INCH       SHELBY             IL   EMERGENCY MNGR

0945 AM     HAIL             1 S LERNA               39.40N 88.29W
04/19/2011  E0.75 INCH       COLES              IL   EMERGENCY MNGR

1015 AM     HAIL             5 SE PARIS              39.56N 87.63W
04/19/2011  E0.50 INCH       EDGAR              IL   EMERGENCY MNGR

            TIME ESTIMATED.

1015 AM     HEAVY RAIN       5 NW ATLANTA            40.31N 89.30W
04/19/2011  M2.13 INCH       LOGAN              IL   MESONET

            24 HOUR TOTAL.

1015 AM     HEAVY RAIN       1 E HEYWORTH            40.31N 88.96W
04/19/2011  M2.15 INCH       MCLEAN             IL   MESONET

            24 HOUR TOTAL.

&&

AJ

Local storm report, Apr 19, 4:24 PM CST, 0 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LINCOLN IL
524 PM CDT TUE APR 19 2011

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

0502 PM     HAIL             WINCHESTER              39.63N 90.46W
04/19/2011  M0.50 INCH       SCOTT              IL   CO-OP OBSERVER

&&

LAUFENBERG

The radar

The Lincoln radar (KILX), 94 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 22:25 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

33 thunderstorm wind, 28 hail, 6 tornado, 6 flash flood, 1 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Morgan

When: April 19, 4:24 PM CST to 4:25 PM CST
Where: Morgan County, 5 mi S of Jacksonville
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.658, -90.230

Hail, Morgan

When: April 19, 4:24 PM CST to 4:29 PM CST
Where: Morgan County, Lynnville
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 39.680, -90.350

Hail, Morgan

When: April 19, 4:40 PM CST to 4:45 PM CST
Where: Morgan County, 4 mi S of Waverly
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.522, -89.950

Hail, Sangamon

When: April 19, 4:50 PM CST to 4:55 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, New Berlin
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.720, -89.920

Hail, Sangamon

When: April 19, 4:55 PM CST to 5:00 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, 2 mi S of New Berlin
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.691, -89.920

Hail, Sangamon

When: April 19, 4:57 PM CST to 5:02 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, Sherman
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 39.880, -89.600

Hail, Sangamon

When: April 19, 5:00 PM CST to 5:05 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, 1 mi N of Sherman
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 39.895, -89.600

Thunderstorm Wind, Sangamon

When: April 19, 5:00 PM CST to 5:05 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, 1.7 mi SSE of Loami
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $250,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.648, -89.836

Several outbuildings, garages, and grain bins were damaged along Johns Creek Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sangamon

When: April 19, 5:02 PM CST to 5:07 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, 1 mi N of Auburn
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.594, -89.750

Several farm buildings were damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sangamon

When: April 19, 5:05 PM CST to 5:10 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, Chatham
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $45,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.670, -89.700

Several trees and power lines were blown down. One house suffered roof damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sangamon

When: April 19, 5:06 PM CST to 5:11 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, 3 mi S of Springfield
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $24,000
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 39.757, -89.650

Eight power poles were snapped and several power lines were blown down on South Second Street at Southwind Park.

Hail, Sangamon

When: April 19, 5:10 PM CST to 5:15 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, Williamsville
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.950, -89.550

Hail, Peoria

When: April 19, 5:13 PM CST to 5:18 PM CST
Where: Peoria County, Princeville
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 40.930, -89.750

Tornado, Christian

When: April 19, 5:17 PM CST to 5:20 PM CST
Where: Christian County, 2.4 mi SSW of Tovey to 1.16 mi SSW of Jeisyville
Rating: EF1
Path length: 1.99 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Property damage: $90,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 39.546, -89.462

A tornado touched down 4 miles southwest of Kincaid at 517 PM CST. It destroyed several grain bins and a large farm storage building before dissipating 2.5 miles south-southwest of Kincaid at 520 PM CST.

Hail, Fulton

When: April 19, 5:20 PM CST to 5:25 PM CST
Where: Fulton County, Cuba
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 40.500, -90.200

Thunderstorm Wind, Christian

When: April 19, 5:21 PM CST to 5:26 PM CST
Where: Christian County, Taylorville
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.550, -89.300

Numerous trees and power lines were blown down in Taylorville, causing widespread power outages.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sangamon

When: April 19, 5:25 PM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, Buffalo
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.850, -89.420

Two houses suffered roof damage in Buffalo.

Tornado, Christian

When: April 19, 5:30 PM CST to 5:32 PM CST
Where: Christian County, 2.1 mi NNE of Harvel to 3.16 mi SSE of Morrisonville
Rating: EF0
Path length: 3.48 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Property damage: $95,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 39.377, -89.511

A tornado touched down 2 miles northeast of Taylorville at 532 PM CST. It traveled eastward, knocking over 8 empty rail cars before dissipating 2.5 miles northeast of Taylorville at 533 PM CST.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sangamon

When: April 19, 5:30 PM CST to 5:35 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, 1.27 mi ENE of Pawnee
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 39.590, -89.560

Numerous trees and power poles were snapped.

Thunderstorm Wind, Christian

When: April 19, 5:30 PM CST to 5:35 PM CST
Where: Christian County, Taylorville
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $75,000
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 39.550, -89.300

The siding was ripped off buildings on Cherokee Street.

Tornado, Christian

When: April 19, 5:32 PM CST to 5:33 PM CST
Where: Christian County, 2.04 mi NE of Taylorville to 2.4 mi SW of Willeys
Rating: EF1
Path length: 0.91 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Property damage: $60,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 39.572, -89.274

A tornado touched down 4 miles southwest of Morrisonville at 530 PM CST. It traveled eastward, knocking down several power poles along Rt. 48. The tornado then tore the roof off a hog pen, collapsed the north doors of a large metal farm building, and destroyed a small barn before dissipating 3 miles south of Morrisonville at 532 PM CST.

Hail, Fulton

When: April 19, 5:34 PM CST to 5:39 PM CST
Where: Fulton County, Canton
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 40.570, -90.030

Thunderstorm Wind, Logan

When: April 19, 5:40 PM CST to 5:45 PM CST
Where: Logan County, 2 mi SE of Mt Pulaski
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.999, -89.253

A communications tower was blown over.

Thunderstorm Wind, Macon

When: April 19, 5:48 PM CST to 5:53 PM CST
Where: Macon County, Elwin
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $40,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.780, -88.980

Several large trees were blown down and 3 houses suffered minor damage.

Hail, Macon

When: April 19, 5:50 PM CST to 5:55 PM CST
Where: Macon County, Mt Zion
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 39.770, -88.880

Hail, Peoria

When: April 19, 5:50 PM CST to 5:55 PM CST
Where: Peoria County, Brimfield
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 40.830, -89.880

Thunderstorm Wind, Macon

When: April 19, 5:50 PM CST to 5:55 PM CST
Where: Macon County, Decatur
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $45,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.850, -88.950

A shed and 2 large trees were blown down. 3 houses and 2 garages suffered minor damage.

Hail, Fulton

When: April 19, 5:54 PM CST to 5:59 PM CST
Where: Fulton County, 0.69 mi N of St David
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 40.490, -90.050

Thunderstorm Wind, Macon

When: April 19, 5:55 PM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Macon County, Oakley
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $125,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.870, -88.800

Numerous power poles were blown down along County Highway 24 near Oakley. Two grain bins and a large shed were knocked down and the roof of a house was blown off.

Thunderstorm Wind, Piatt

When: April 19, 6:05 PM CST to 6:10 PM CST
Where: Piatt County, Cerro Gordo
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $80,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 39.880, -88.730

Strong winds damaged several grain bins and sheds and the roof of a house.

Flash Flood, Marshall

When: April 19, 6:15 PM CST to 10:00 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 2.07 mi NNE of Saratoga Center to 2.7 mi NE of La Prairie Center
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 41.149, -89.588

Thunderstorms which produced rainfall rates of 1.50 to 2.00 per hour for two hours produced flash flooding of rural roads in a small part of northwest Marshall County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Piatt

When: April 19, 6:25 PM CST to 6:30 PM CST
Where: Piatt County, 4 mi S of Mansfield
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $45,000
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 40.162, -88.500

Several grain bins were blown over.

Thunderstorm Wind, Douglas

When: April 19, 6:25 PM CST to 6:30 PM CST
Where: Douglas County, 3.4 mi W of Arcola to Arcola
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $60,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.680, -88.364

A power pole was blown down and a large shed was destroyed.

Hail, Champaign

When: April 19, 6:30 PM CST to 6:35 PM CST
Where: Champaign County, Champaign
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 40.120, -88.250

Thunderstorm Wind, Champaign

When: April 19, 6:30 PM CST to 6:35 PM CST
Where: Champaign County, 2.41 mi NE of Staley
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 40.142, -88.285

Two semi trailers were blown over at I-74 and I-57.

Hail, Champaign

When: April 19, 6:35 PM CST to 6:40 PM CST
Where: Champaign County, 3.48 mi SW of Pesotum
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.880, -88.310

Thunderstorm Wind, Douglas

When: April 19, 6:35 PM CST to 6:40 PM CST
Where: Douglas County, Villa Grove
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.870, -88.170

A tree was blown onto a garage in Villa Grove.

Thunderstorm Wind, Coles

When: April 19, 6:45 PM CST to 6:50 PM CST
Where: Coles County, 0.87 mi NW of Charleston
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.490, -88.190

Shingles were blown off a roof and an 8-inch diameter tree was knocked down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Douglas

When: April 19, 6:45 PM CST to 6:50 PM CST
Where: Douglas County, Newman
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $125,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.800, -87.980

Two houses sustained roof damage in Newman. A large shed and a small block warehouse were severely damaged. In addition, a small shed was tipped over and blown across a lot into an antique trailer.

Thunderstorm Wind, Edgar

When: April 19, 6:57 PM CST to 7:02 PM CST
Where: Edgar County, 1 mi W of Chrisman
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $35,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.800, -87.689

Downburst winds caused damage to a pole barn, the roof of a house, and numerous power poles about 1.5 miles west of Chrisman.

Tornado, Edgar

When: April 19, 6:59 PM CST to 7:01 PM CST
Where: Edgar County, 1.84 mi NNE of Chrisman to 2.87 mi NE of Chrisman
Rating: EF1
Path length: 1.14 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Property damage: $140,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.825, -87.656

A tornado touched down 1.7 miles northeast of Chrisman at 659 PM CST. It traveled northeastward, tearing the roof off a house, destroying two pole barns, and damaging a garage. The tornado dissipated 2.8 miles northeast of Chrisman at 701 PM CST.

Hail, Vermilion

When: April 19, 7:00 PM CST to 7:05 PM CST
Where: Vermilion County, Jamaica
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.980, -87.800

Tornado, Vermilion

When: April 19, 7:02 PM CST to 7:05 PM CST
Where: Vermilion County, 0.44 mi N of Henning to 1.35 mi SSW of Rossville Jct
Rating: EF0
Path length: 2.71 mi
Path width: 25 yd
Property damage: $225,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 40.306, -87.701

A tornado touched down near Henning at 702 PM CST. It traveled northeastward, damaging roofs, siding, and awnings on numerous houses. The tornado also knocked down a number of trees before dissipating 3 miles northeast of Henning at 705 PM CST.

Thunderstorm Wind, Vermilion

When: April 19, 7:05 PM CST to 7:11 PM CST
Where: Vermilion County, 3 mi NE of Henning to 4 mi ESE of Rossville
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 40.331, -87.660

Downburst winds damaged numerous grain bins and trees in a path from 3 miles northeast of Henning northeastward to about 4 miles east-southeast of Rossville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Vermilion

When: April 19, 7:05 PM CST to 7:10 PM CST
Where: Vermilion County, 1.05 mi W of Rossville
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $35,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 40.380, -87.690

Numerous trees were blown down west of Rossville. One car was damaged when a tree fell onto it.

Tornado, Vermilion

When: April 19, 7:11 PM CST to 7:14 PM CST
Where: Vermilion County, 2.6 mi NNE of Gundy to 2.21 mi SE of Heaton
Rating: EF1
Path length: 2.56 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Property damage: $360,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 40.366, -87.586

A tornado touched down 4.4 miles east of Rossvile at 711 PM CST. It traveled northeastward, damaging 6 grain bins, 2 farmsteads, 2 large sheds, and a combine before dissipating 5.6 miles east-northeast of Rossville at 714 PM CST.

Thunderstorm Wind, Moultrie

When: April 19, 7:13 PM CST to 7:18 PM CST
Where: Moultrie County, Sullivan
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $200
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 39.600, -88.620

A flag pole was broken in Sullivan.

Thunderstorm Wind, Vermilion

When: April 19, 7:15 PM CST to 7:20 PM CST
Where: Vermilion County, Hoopeston
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 40.470, -87.670

Power poles were blown down at the intersection of Illinois Route 1 and Illinois Route 9.

Lightning, Champaign

When: April 19, 7:40 PM CST
Where: Champaign County, 0.38 mi N of Mira Station
Property damage: $300,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 40.086, -88.171

Lightning struck the roof of a home, starting a fire in the attic and the electrical system of the house. The house sustained significant damage. No injuries were reported.

Hail, Cumberland

When: April 19, 7:51 PM CST to 7:56 PM CST
Where: Cumberland County, Greenup
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 39.250, -88.170

Hail, Christian

When: April 19, 7:58 PM CST to 8:03 PM CST
Where: Christian County, 1 mi ENE of Tovey
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 39.586, -89.433

Flash Flood, Shelby

When: April 19, 8:00 PM CST to April 20, 12:30 AM CST
Where: Shelby County, 1.06 mi NNW of Tower Hill to 1.47 mi NNW of Oconee
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.393, -88.981

Several thunderstorms produced heavy rainfall rates of more than one inch per hour for four hours in much of southern and central Shleby County. Most rural roads were water covered and impassable.

Hail, Coles

When: April 19, 8:05 PM CST to 8:10 PM CST
Where: Coles County, Etna
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.380, -88.420

Hail, Clark

When: April 19, 8:10 PM CST to 8:15 PM CST
Where: Clark County, Martinsville
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 39.330, -87.880

Hail, Clark

When: April 19, 8:13 PM CST to 8:18 PM CST
Where: Clark County, Martinsville
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.330, -87.880

Hail, Cumberland

When: April 19, 8:13 PM CST to 8:18 PM CST
Where: Cumberland County, Neoga
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 39.320, -88.450

Flash Flood, Coles

When: April 19, 8:15 PM CST to April 20, 1:00 AM CST
Where: Coles County, 4.33 mi SW of Cooks Mills to 3.72 mi W of Etna
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.538, -88.460

Several thunderstorms produced heavy rainfall with totals of 2.50 to 4.00 inches in less than four hours. Numerous roads in Mattoon and Charleston, as well as outlying rural areas were flooded.

Flash Flood, Cumberland

When: April 19, 8:15 PM CST to April 20, 1:00 AM CST
Where: Cumberland County, 2.44 mi W of Lake Mattoon to 4.96 mi S of Neoga
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.377, -88.466

Several thunderstorms produced heavy rainfall with totals of 2.50 to 4.00 inches in less than four hours in northern Cumberland County. Numerous roads in Neoga and Toledo, as well as outlying rural areas were flooded.

Hail, Clark

When: April 19, 8:23 PM CST to 8:28 PM CST
Where: Clark County, 2 mi N of Marshall
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 39.409, -87.700

Hail, Clay

When: April 19, 8:23 PM CST to 8:28 PM CST
Where: Clay County, Flora
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.670, -88.480

Thunderstorm Wind, Clay

When: April 19, 8:23 PM CST to 8:28 PM CST
Where: Clay County, Flora
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.670, -88.480

Several trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Clay

When: April 19, 8:23 PM CST to 8:28 PM CST
Where: Clay County, Xenia
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.630, -88.630

Several trees were blown down.

Flash Flood, Edgar

When: April 19, 8:30 PM CST to April 20, 1:30 AM CST
Where: Edgar County, 3.19 mi SW of Borton to 4.97 mi SSW of Kansas
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 39.613, -87.966

Several thunderstorms produced heavy rainfall with totals of 2.50 to 4.00 inches in less than four hours in the southern half of Edgar County. Numerous roads in Paris, as well as outlying rural areas were flooded.

Flash Flood, Clark

When: April 19, 8:30 PM CST to April 20, 1:30 AM CST
Where: Clark County, 1.97 mi NNW of Westfield to 3.67 mi W of Casey Muni Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.477, -88.013

Several thunderstorms produced heavy rainfall with totals of 2.50 to 4.00 inches in less than four hours in northern Clark County. Numerous roads in Marshall and Martinsville, as well as outlying rural areas were flooded. Several locations along I-70 had standing water.

Thunderstorm Wind, Richland

When: April 19, 8:40 PM CST to 8:45 PM CST
Where: Richland County, Noble to Olney
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 38.700, -88.220

The steeple of a church was was torn off in West Salem. Numerous large tree limbs were blown down in Olney.

Hail, Jasper

When: April 19, 8:55 PM CST to 9:00 PM CST
Where: Jasper County, Newton
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.980, -88.170

Thunderstorm Wind, Jasper

When: April 19, 8:55 PM CST to 9:00 PM CST
Where: Jasper County, Newton
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.980, -88.170

A few small trees were blown down.

Hail, Crawford

When: April 19, 9:05 PM CST to 9:10 PM CST
Where: Crawford County, Oblong
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.000, -87.920

Thunderstorm Wind, Crawford

When: April 19, 9:05 PM CST to 9:10 PM CST
Where: Crawford County, Landes
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 38.870, -87.880

A metal roof was torn off a house in Landes.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lawrence

When: April 19, 9:05 PM CST to 9:10 PM CST
Where: Lawrence County, Chauncey
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 38.830, -87.830

The top of a communications tower was broken off in Chauncey.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lawrence

When: April 19, 9:08 PM CST to 9:13 PM CST
Where: Lawrence County, Bridgeport
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 38.720, -87.750

Several large trees were snapped in Bridegport.

Thunderstorm Wind, Lawrence

When: April 19, 9:09 PM CST to 9:14 PM CST
Where: Lawrence County, Lawrenceville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.720, -87.670

Five power poles and several large trees were blown down.

Hail, Crawford

When: April 19, 9:10 PM CST to 9:15 PM CST
Where: Crawford County, Robinson
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.000, -87.730

Thunderstorm Wind, Lawrence

When: April 19, 9:13 PM CST to 9:18 PM CST
Where: Lawrence County, 3 mi NW of Russellville
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 38.847, -87.574

A barn was destroyed 3 miles northwest of Russellville at County Road 1850N and County Road 1800E.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
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.
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.
Lightning: A lightning strike that killed, injured or caused damage.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Illinois in 2011 Every state in 2011 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Illinois, 2011 Warnings in Illinois, April 2011

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: 298658, 298659, 298660, 298661, 298662, 298664, 298665, 298793, 298797, 298798, 298806, 298666, 298667, 298622, 298668, 298794, 299111, 298633, 298795, 298796, 298647, 298669, 299148, 299105, 298670, 298671, 299106, 298673, 299108, 299103, 305870, 299104, 299139, 298674, 299090, 298675, 299146, 298799, 299144, 298655, and more.