Tornadoes and Hail in Illinois, May 25, 2011

Name: Tornadoes and Hail in Illinois, May 25, 2011
Start: 2011-05-25T16:12
End: 2011-05-25T19:15
Location: Illinois

May 25, 2011 · NWS PAH · 48 events in 17 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: $5.7 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 48

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 PAH wrote it up.

Numerous strong to severe thunderstorms occurred in the warm sector of a low pressure system over central Missouri. The air mass in the warm sector was very unstable, with afternoon mixed-layer cape values in the 2500 to 4000 j/kg range. A 65 to 75 knot mid level jet was located across Arkansas, with the nose of the jet moving into western Kentucky. This feature enhanced the lift and strong deep-layer shear already in place, creating an environment very favorable for supercells and tornadoes. A 40 to 55 knot low level jet across eastern Arkansas moved into western Kentucky during the evening, resulting in isolated tornadoes and widespread damaging winds.

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 Paducah, KY wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 25, 12:36 PM CST, 3 hours 36 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 25, 12:36 PM CST, 3 hours 36 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
136 PM CDT WED MAY 25 2011

.DISCUSSION...
BIGGEST CHALLENGE WILL BE THE DETAILS ASSOCIATED WITH A
POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT SEVERE WEATHER OUTBREAK OVER THE NEXT 10-12
HOURS OR SO.

WILL KEEP THIS BRIEF WITH ONSET OF SEVERE WEATHER IMMINENT. STRONG
SFC AND UPPER LOW MOVING EASTWARD OUT OF THE PLAINS WILL PUSH A
COLD FRONT ACROSS OUR CWA THIS EVENING. IN THE MEANTIME...WITH
SFC TEMPS IN THE LOW 80S AND SFC DEWPOINTS NEAR 70...THE ATMOSPHERE
HAS BECOME VERY UNSTABLE ACROSS THE AREA. THIS COMBINED WITH
FAVORABLE DEEP LAYER SHEAR...JET DYNAMICS...AND HUGE AMOUNTS OF
CAPE AND HELICITY HAS SET THE STAGE FOR A WIDESPREAD OUTBREAK OF
SEVERE WEATHER INCLUDING LARGE LONG-TRACK TORNADOES...VERY LARGE
HAIL...AND INTENSE STRAIGHT LINE WINDS (DOWNBURSTS).

LATEST RADAR IMAGES ARE SHOWING SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS OVER
THE NORTHEAST SECTIONS OF OUR CWA...BUT THESE STORMS HAVE
REMAINED BELOW SEVERE LEVELS SO FAR. THE LACK OF CONVECTION
ELSEWHERE ACROSS OUR CWA CORRESPONDS WELL TO A POCKET OF 9-10C
WARM AIR IN THE MID LEVELS. THE THINKING IS THAT AS THE SEVERE
CONVECTION TO OUR WEST BEGINS TO MOVE INTO THE WESTERN SECTIONS
WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF HOURS...THE CAP WILL BE BROKEN AND
THUNDERSTORM DEVELOPMENT WILL BE VERY RAPID AND INTENSE.

MOST LIKELY SCENARIO WILL BE DISCREET SUPERCELLS THIS AFTERNOON
INTO THE EARLY EVENING HOURS...THEN A LINE (QLCS) OF THUNDERSTORMS
WITH EMBEDDED SUPERCELLS THROUGH THE REST OF THE EVENING. EACH
NEW MODEL RUN CONTINUES TO SPEED UP THE EASTWARD PROGRESS OF THIS
SYSTEM...SO THE LATEST THINKING IS THAT THE THREAT FOR SEVERE
WEATHER WILL CLEAR THE EASTERN SECTIONS OF OUR CWA SHORTLY AFTER
MIDNIGHT.

PRECIP CHANCES WILL LINGER INTO THURSDAY NIGHT ON THE BACK SIDE OF
THIS SYSTEM. AFTER A BRIEF RESPITE ON FRIDAY...THE COMBINATION OF
UPPER LEVEL ENERGY AND THE APPROACH OF A FRONTAL SYSTEM WILL BRING
PRECIP CHANCES TO THE HEARTLAND FRIDAY NIGHT INTO SATURDAY.

BEYOND SATURDAY AN UPPER RIDGE ESTABLISHES ITSELF OVER OUR AREA
THROUGH THE REST OF THE PERIOD...ESPECIALLY PER THE ECMWF. THE GFS
CRANKS OUT A BIT OF PRECIP NEXT WEDNESDAY AND WEDNESDAY NIGHT AS
IT DROPS A FRONT INTO OUR AREA. THE ECMWF CONTINUES TO KEEP THE
RIDGE OVER OUR AREA WITH NO PRECIP SO FOR NOW WILL KEEP IT DRY.

&&
.AVIATION...
SEVERE STORMS WILL GRADUALLY INCREASE IN COVERAGE DURING THE
AFTERNOON...PEAKING WITH THE PASSAGE OF A COLD FRONT THIS EVENING.
HIGHEST CHANCES FOR CONVECTION AT EACH TAF SITE APPEAR TO BE LATE IN
THE AFTERNOON AND EARLY IN THE EVENING. HOWEVER...ISOLATED
SUPERCELLS COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME. IN ADDITION TO LOCALLY DAMAGING
WINDS...LARGE HAIL AND TORNADOES ARE POSSIBLE. THE CONVECTION WILL
END WITH THE PASSAGE OF THE FRONT LATE THIS EVENING. SOME LOW CLOUDS
WILL ARRIVE BY 12Z THURSDAY...WITH MVFR CIGS LIKELY DURING THE
MORNING.

&&

.PAH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
KY...LAKE WIND ADVISORY UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR BALLARD-
     CALDWELL-CALLOWAY-CARLISLE-CHRISTIAN-CRITTENDEN-DAVIESS-
     FULTON-GRAVES-HENDERSON-HICKMAN-HOPKINS-LIVINGSTON-LYON-
     MARSHALL-MCCRACKEN-MCLEAN-MUHLENBERG-TODD-TRIGG-UNION KY-
     WEBSTER.

MO...LAKE WIND ADVISORY UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR BOLLINGER-
     BUTLER-CAPE GIRARDEAU-CARTER-MISSISSIPPI-NEW MADRID-PERRY
     MO-RIPLEY-SCOTT-STODDARD-WAYNE MO.

IL...LAKE WIND ADVISORY UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR ALEXANDER-
     EDWARDS-FRANKLIN-GALLATIN-HAMILTON-HARDIN-JACKSON-JEFFERSON-
     JOHNSON-MASSAC-PERRY IL-POPE-PULASKI-SALINE-UNION IL-WABASH-
     WAYNE IL-WHITE-WILLIAMSON.

IN...LAKE WIND ADVISORY UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR GIBSON-PIKE-
     POSEY-SPENCER-VANDERBURGH-WARRICK.

&&

MY/JAP

Hazardous weather outlook, May 25, 7:13 AM CST, 8 hours 59 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
813 AM CDT WED MAY 25 2011

ILZ075>078-080>094-INZ081-082-085>088-KYZ001>022-MOZ076-086-087-
100-107>112-114-261315-
JEFFERSON-WAYNE IL-EDWARDS-WABASH-PERRY IL-FRANKLIN-HAMILTON-
WHITE-JACKSON-WILLIAMSON-SALINE-GALLATIN-UNION IL-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-
813 AM CDT WED MAY 25 2011

...AREA UPGRADED TO HIGH RISK...
...WIDESPREAD SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS EXPECTED THIS AFTERNOON AND
EVENING...

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF SOUTHERN
ILLINOIS...SOUTHWEST INDIANA...WESTERN KENTUCKY AND SOUTHEAST
MISSOURI.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT

THE ENTIRE QUAD STATE AREA IS IN A HIGH RISK OF SEVERE WEATHER
TODAY AND TONIGHT. THIS IS A PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION...AS
THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR A SIGNIFICANT AND WIDESPREAD SEVERE
WEATHER EVENT ACROSS THE REGION. SOME LOCATIONS MAY EXPERIENCE 2
OR 3 SEPARATE ROUNDS OF SEVERE WEATHER THROUGH THIS EVENING.

SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS WILL DEVELOP OVER SOUTHEAST MISSOURI AND
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS...POSSIBLY AS EARLY AS THE LATE MORNING HOURS.
VERY STRONG WIND FIELDS AND PLENTIFUL INSTABILITY WILL ALLOW THE
STORMS TO QUICKLY BECOME SEVERE...WITH LARGE HAIL...STRONG
TORNADOES...AND DAMAGING WINDS. THE STORMS WILL MOVE RAPIDLY
NORTHEAST ACROSS THE QUAD STATE REGION THROUGH THE AFTERNOON.
OTHER SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS MAY DEVELOP FARTHER EAST ACROSS THE
AREA DURING THE AFTERNOON.

FINALLY...A LINE OF SEVERE STORMS WITH AN INCREASING DAMAGING WIND
THREAT WILL MOVE INTO WESTERN PORTIONS OF THE AREA AROUND 5
PM...AND THEN SWEEP THROUGH THE ENTIRE AREA THROUGH THE EVENING.
TORNADOES...LARGE HAIL...AND HEAVY RAINFALL WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE
WITH THIS LINE. THE SEVERE WEATHER THREAT SHOULD BE EAST OF THE
ENTIRE AREA BY MIDNIGHT.

OUTSIDE OF THUNDERSTORMS...STRONG SOUTH WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO GUST
25 TO 35 MPH THROUGH THE DAY AND INTO THE EARLY EVENING. CONSULT
THE LAKE WIND ADVISORY FOR DETAILS.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY

A FEW THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE AS AN UPPER LEVEL LOW
PRESSURE SYSTEM MOVES EAST THROUGH THE REGION THURSDAY. ANY
THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN BELOW SEVERE LIMITS.

ANOTHER UPPER LEVEL STORM SYSTEM WILL SWEEP THROUGH THE AREA WITH
A CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS FRIDAY NIGHT. AT THIS TIME...SEVERE
WEATHER IS NOT EXPECTED.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL MOST LIKELY BE NEEDED THROUGHOUT THE AREA
THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.

DRS/PS

In the hours before

Local storm report, May 25, 3:45 PM CST, 27 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
445 PM CDT WED MAY 25 2011

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

0442 PM     HAIL             4 S DONIPHAN            36.56N 90.82W
05/25/2011  M1.75 INCH       RIPLEY             MO   EMERGENCY MNGR

            GOLF BALL SIZE HAIL REPORTED SOUTH OF DONIPHAN.

&&

SMITTY

Local storm report, May 25, 3:51 PM CST, 21 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
451 PM CDT WED MAY 25 2011

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

0447 PM     TORNADO          SILVA                   37.18N 90.46W
05/25/2011                   WAYNE              MO   TRAINED SPOTTER

            TORNADO CROSSED U.S. 67 3N OF GREENVILLE NEAR THE
            COMMUNITY OF SILVA.

&&

SMITTY

Local storm report, May 25, 4:01 PM CST, 11 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
501 PM CDT WED MAY 25 2011

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

0356 PM     TORNADO          ELLSINORE               36.93N 90.75W
05/25/2011                   CARTER             MO   OTHER FEDERAL

            ...UPDATE...TORNADO 1S OF TOWN WAS 0.5 MILES WIDE. HOUSE
            DESTROYED AND TREES DOWN AND PEOPLE TRAPPED IN VEHICLES.
            FEMA BUILDING HAVE 200 PEOPLE SEEKING SHELTER. TORNADO
            MAY HAVE STRUCK THE COMMUNITIES OF HUNTER AND GRANDIN BUT
            NO CONFIRMATION YET. LAW AND FIRE/RESCUE CHECKING HOMES
            FOR INJURED PEOPLE. INFORMATION REPORTED BY FEMA TEAM
            MEMBER.

&&

SMITTY

Local storm report, May 25, 4:02 PM CST, 10 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
502 PM CDT WED MAY 25 2011

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

0458 PM     TORNADO          OXLY                    36.60N 90.69W
05/25/2011                   RIPLEY             MO   TRAINED SPOTTER

            BRIEF TOUCHDOWN.

&&

SMITTY

Local storm report, May 25, 4:06 PM CST, 6 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
506 PM CDT WED MAY 25 2011

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

0503 PM     TORNADO          3 S PATTON              37.40N 90.04W
05/25/2011                   BOLLINGER          MO   EMERGENCY MNGR

            TORNADO OUT OF SIGHT BUT DEBRIS FALLING ALONG MISSOURI
            HWY YY AND A.

&&

SMITTY

Local storm report, May 25, 4:11 PM CST, 1 minute before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
511 PM CDT WED MAY 25 2011

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

0356 PM     TORNADO          2 W ELLSINORE           36.93N 90.78W
05/25/2011                   CARTER             MO   EMERGENCY MNGR

            ...UPDATE...3 MILE DEBRIS FIELD 2 TO 5 MILES WEST OF
            TOWN. TWO PEOPLE TRAPPED IN SEMI BETWEEN TWO TREES. ALL
            CELL PHONE SERVICE IS OUT. THIS DAMAGE OCCURRED FROM THE
            FIRST TORNADO NEAR THE COMMUNITY.

&&

SMITTY

The radar

The Paducah radar (KPAH), 125 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 22:13 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

26 thunderstorm wind, 11 funnel cloud, 7 tornado, 3 hail, 1 heavy rain. Local standard time, as filed.

Funnel Cloud, Perry

When: May 25, 4:12 PM CST
Where: Perry County, Pinckneyville
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.080, -89.380

Hail, Saline

When: May 25, 5:23 PM CST
Where: Saline County, Carriers Mills to Harrisburg
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.680, -88.650

Golf-ball size hail fell on Route 13 just west of Harrisburg. Quarter-size hail fell in Carrier Mills. Nickel-size hail fell in Harrisburg.

Thunderstorm Wind, Perry

When: May 25, 5:28 PM CST
Where: Perry County, Du Quoin
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Unknown
Coordinates: 38.020, -89.230

Tornado, Jefferson

When: May 25, 5:28 PM CST to 5:44 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 5.5 mi WNW of Woodlawn to 2.5 mi NNE of Dix
Rating: EF2
Path length: 13.48 mi
Path width: 250 yd
Property damage: $4.0 million
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 38.361, -89.124

At least three houses lost portions of roof substructure, including roof decking. Numerous other homes sustained various degrees of shingle damage. Some houses lost siding. A total of 101 residences sustained damage, with 23 of those homes deemed uninhabitable. A folded up pop-up camper and adjacent shed were blown 50 to 75 feet. Dozens of trees and power poles were snapped. A twin-pole wooden tower carrying high-voltage power lines was leaning. The community of Boyd was directly impacted. In Boyd, a large machine shed/sawmill was destroyed. A church lost some shingles and roofing. There were numerous eyewitnesses and at least one photo of the tornado funnel. Peak winds were estimated near 115 mph. The average path width was 200 yards.

Funnel Cloud, Saline

When: May 25, 5:30 PM CST
Where: Saline County, Harrisburg
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.730, -88.550

A supercell thunderstorm produced a cone-shaped funnel cloud that passed directly over Harrisburg. The funnel cloud was well-documented by photographers and videographers. The funnel cloud was associated with a strong tornadic signature on doppler radar. Witnesses reported the funnel cloud was rotating and descending toward the ground as it passed downtown Harrisburg. No touchdowns were observed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Union

When: May 25, 5:34 PM CST
Where: Union County, 2 mi E of Ware
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $40,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 37.450, -89.364

Trees and power poles were blown down.

Funnel Cloud, Jackson

When: May 25, 5:38 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, De Soto
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.820, -89.230

Thunderstorm Wind, Franklin

When: May 25, 5:38 PM CST
Where: Franklin County, Mulkeytown
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.970, -89.120

Wind gusts were estimated up to 80 mph by emergency management officials.

Tornado, Union

When: May 25, 5:39 PM CST to 5:42 PM CST
Where: Union County, 1 mi NNE of Anna to 3 mi NNE of Anna
Rating: EF1
Path length: 2 mi
Path width: 125 yd
Property damage: $150,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.483, -89.243

Several dozen trees were uprooted or snapped. A vehicle was destroyed by a falling tree. At least a couple of buildings and houses sustained mostly minor roof damage, including the loss of some shingles. Peak winds were estimated near 90 mph. The average path width was 100 yards.

Tornado, Pulaski

When: May 25, 5:40 PM CST to 5:47 PM CST
Where: Pulaski County, 0.5 mi SW of Mound City to 5 mi NE of Mound City
Rating: EF1
Path length: 5.5 mi
Path width: 250 yd
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.075, -89.176

The tornado moved northeast across Mound City, where much of the damage occurred. One small mobile home was picked up and thrown into a power pole. There was roof damage to several homes, mainly shingles. Numerous trees were uprooted and snapped. The tornado damage path ended at the Ohio River. Peak winds were estimated near 105 mph. The average path width was 200 yards.

Funnel Cloud, Alexander

When: May 25, 5:45 PM CST
Where: Alexander County, 1.03 mi W of Urbandale
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.049, -89.199

The funnel cloud was reported north of Cairo along Interstate 57.

Tornado, Pulaski

When: May 25, 5:45 PM CST to 5:58 PM CST
Where: Pulaski County, 1.5 mi SE of Pulaski to 6.5 mi NW of Grand Chain
Rating: EF1
Path length: 10.04 mi
Path width: 120 yd
Property damage: $40,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.205, -89.181

Mainly tree damage was observed. Some trees were uprooted and snapped. One small shed was damaged. There was minor damage to business roofs in Pulaski. Some straight-line wind damage was observed on the southeast end of the path. Peak winds were estimated near 90 mph. The average path width was 100 yards.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jackson

When: May 25, 5:45 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, Carbondale
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 37.720, -89.220

Numerous large tree limbs were blown down onto streets and power lines.

Thunderstorm Wind, Union

When: May 25, 5:46 PM CST
Where: Union County, Anna to Jonesboro
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $90,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.470, -89.250

Portable garage buildings were rolled over in Anna. A tree fell on a house in Anna, causing heavy damage to the roof. At Jonesboro, an antenna was ripped off the city hall, leaving a hole in the building. Bricks were blown off the Jonesboro city hall building, and there was some roof damage. Trees and power lines were blown down. Tree limbs fell on houses in Jonesboro.

Funnel Cloud, Williamson

When: May 25, 5:46 PM CST
Where: Williamson County, Hurst
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.830, -89.150

Thunderstorm Wind, Jefferson

When: May 25, 5:47 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 1 mi NE of Mt Vernon
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.330, -88.887

A trained spotter estimated wind gusts up to 60 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Williamson

When: May 25, 5:53 PM CST
Where: Williamson County, 1 mi W of Colp
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.800, -89.098

Thunderstorm Wind, Union

When: May 25, 5:54 PM CST
Where: Union County, 5 mi E of Cobden
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $40,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.530, -89.159

A mobile home was flipped over. A large maple tree about three feet in diameter was uprooted. A two-foot tree was snapped in half. A small apple tree was uprooted.

Tornado, Pulaski

When: May 25, 5:55 PM CST to 5:59 PM CST
Where: Pulaski County, 2.65 mi SE of New Grand Chain to 2.08 mi SE of Karnak
Rating: EF0
Path length: 3.82 mi
Path width: 80 yd
Continued into: Massac, Il (PAH)
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.220, -88.990

The tornado was very weak as it touched down along the Ohio River. In this area, trees were uprooted, and a few trees were snapped. At a campground east of Grand Chain, several campers were damaged, and one was overturned. Peak winds were estimated near 70 mph. The tornado remained weak as it crossed into Massac County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Williamson

When: May 25, 5:55 PM CST
Where: Williamson County, Herrin
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.800, -89.030

A half dozen trees were blown down. Widespread power outages were reported throughout the community due to blown transformers.

Hail, Saline

When: May 25, 5:56 PM CST
Where: Saline County, 0.88 mi NW of Tison
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.890, -88.530

Tornado, Massac

When: May 25, 5:59 PM CST to 6:07 PM CST
Where: Massac County, 3.1 mi NW of Hillerman to 3.6 mi WNW of Samoth
Rating: EF2
Path length: 7.98 mi
Path width: 325 yd
Continued into: Johnson, Il (PAH)
Property damage: $150,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.260, -88.942

The tornado gained strength after crossing into Massac County from Pulaski County. North of the Mermet Lake Conservation Area, the tornado reached peak intensity. A barn was destroyed, and debris was thrown several hundred yards. Two grain bins were destroyed, including one that was thrown over 265 yards. Other small outbuildings were destroyed. There was minor to moderate damage to four homes from falling trees and strong winds. As the tornado moved northeast, it damaged a house near the Massac/Johnson County line. The back porch was ripped off. Trees were snapped and thrown into a vehicle and garage. There was roof, siding, soffit, and shutter damage to the home as well. In a nearby field, an irrigation system was overturned. The tornado funnel was photographed from a residence near Round Knob. Peak winds were estimated near 115 mph. The average path width was 300 yards. The tornado continued northeast into Johnson County.

Funnel Cloud, Williamson

When: May 25, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Williamson County, 0.8 mi NNW of Scotsboro
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.740, -88.958

The funnel cloud was reported at Interstate 57 and Highway 13.

Thunderstorm Wind, Franklin

When: May 25, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Franklin County, Benton
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $9,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 38.000, -88.920

A few trees were blown down. Two of the trees took down power lines.

Thunderstorm Wind, Franklin

When: May 25, 6:01 PM CST
Where: Franklin County, 1.38 mi S of Orient
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.900, -88.980

A state trooper estimated wind gusts up to 80 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Massac

When: May 25, 6:03 PM CST
Where: Massac County, 2.33 mi SSW of Boaz
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $8,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.268, -88.915

Several large trees were blown down in the far western part of the county.

Thunderstorm Wind, Johnson

When: May 25, 6:03 PM CST
Where: Johnson County, Vienna
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 37.420, -88.900

A house in Vienna received major structural damage as a large uprooted tree fell across the middle of it. Extensive water damage occurred as rain fell through a hole in the roof. A parked car was crushed by a falling tree.

Thunderstorm Wind, Johnson

When: May 25, 6:05 PM CST
Where: Johnson County, Goreville
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $40,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.550, -88.970

Multiple trees were blown down. Some homes received minor damage.

Tornado, Johnson

When: May 25, 6:07 PM CST to 6:14 PM CST
Where: Johnson County, 1.32 mi WSW of Crossroads to 2.5 mi NE of Grantsburg
Rating: EF1
Path length: 8.07 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Property damage: $75,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.344, -88.843

The tornado crossed into Johnson County from Massac County in the vicinity of Interstate 24. A barn was destroyed just before where the tornado crossed Interstate 24. Significant tree damage was observed near the community of Ganntown, where trees were snapped and uprooted and a home had minor damage. The metal roof of the house was damaged. On the west side of Grantsburg, a 20-by-50 foot pole barn was destroyed, and swirls were seen in tall grass. Near the end of the damage path in the Shawnee National Forest, over 100 trees were snapped or uprooted. Peak winds were estimated near 100 mph. The average path width was 150 yards.

Funnel Cloud, White

When: May 25, 6:10 PM CST
Where: White County, 1 mi S of Carmi
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.066, -88.170

Thunderstorm Wind, Johnson

When: May 25, 6:12 PM CST
Where: Johnson County, 1 mi N of Tunnel Hill
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 37.535, -88.830

A barn was scattered across U.S. Highway 45. Several roads were closed due to trees across them.

Funnel Cloud, White

When: May 25, 6:14 PM CST
Where: White County, 2 mi N of Carmi
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.109, -88.170

Thunderstorm Wind, Massac

When: May 25, 6:15 PM CST to 6:20 PM CST
Where: Massac County, Round Knob
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.250, -88.750

Measured wind gusts from 60 to 65 mph persisted for several minutes.

Heavy Rain, White

When: May 25, 6:15 PM CST to 7:15 PM CST
Where: White County, Grayville to 1.19 mi WSW of Grayville
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 38.270, -88.000

Heavy rains poured beneath the back doors of a restaurant and bar, flooding both establishments. Estimates placed 2.5 to 3 inches of rain of rain in about 30 minutes.

Thunderstorm Wind, Pope

When: May 25, 6:16 PM CST to 6:18 PM CST
Where: Pope County, 2.24 mi SSE of Bristol to 1.58 mi NNE of Glendale
Measured: 87 kt (100 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $120,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.418, -88.711

A major downburst with winds up to 100 mph occurred. Part of the roof was torn off a house, including the decking. The front porch was blown off the house. A hog barn was unroofed, and a grain bin was blown over. A pole barn and a cattle barn were destroyed. At least a dozen trees were snapped or uprooted.

Thunderstorm Wind, Saline

When: May 25, 6:19 PM CST
Where: Saline County, Carriers Mills
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 37.680, -88.650

Numerous trees and tree limbs were blown down.

Funnel Cloud, Hamilton

When: May 25, 6:22 PM CST
Where: Hamilton County, Thackeray
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.120, -88.450

Thunderstorm Wind, Massac

When: May 25, 6:22 PM CST
Where: Massac County, Metropolis
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.150, -88.730

A tree was blown down on a mobile home. A wind gust was measured to 63 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, White

When: May 25, 6:25 PM CST
Where: White County, 2 mi SW of Enfield
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 38.080, -88.356

The roof of a home was damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind, Saline

When: May 25, 6:26 PM CST to 6:30 PM CST
Where: Saline County, 7 mi W of Harrisburg to Harrisburg
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $80,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.730, -88.678

In Harrisburg, numerous trees were blown down, and signs were blown over. Several roofs were damaged. Siding was ripped off a building. The area of greatest damage was in a neighborhood on the southeast side of Harrisburg, where a microburst about one mile long and one-third mile wide downed hundreds of trees and limbs. A garage was flattened by an uprooted tree. Winds in the microburst were estimated near 75 mph. A trained spotter seven miles west of Harrisburg estimated winds gusted to 60 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Gallatin

When: May 25, 6:36 PM CST to 6:42 PM CST
Where: Gallatin County, 0.3 mi S of Equality to 0.83 mi N of Lawler
Measured: 78 kt (90 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $400,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.726, -88.330

A microburst with estimated peak winds near 90 mph struck the south side of Equality and continued northeast to the intersection of Highways 13 and 1. The path width averaged about one-half mile. Two mobile homes were destroyed and a barn was levelled on the south side of Equality. A section of metal roof about 250 feet long was blown off the county high school near the intersection of Illinois Routes 13 and 1. Several other homes sustained mainly minor roof damage. Trees and tree limbs were blown down throughout the area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Saline

When: May 25, 6:36 PM CST
Where: Saline County, Eldorado
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 37.820, -88.430

A 100-year-old oak tree was uprooted, taking power and phone lines down. The tree roots damaged a water main, causing water levels in the town's water tower to drop sharply. Numerous streets were blocked by downed trees and limbs around town. Four power poles were broken by downed trees. In downtown Eldorado, hundreds of roofing shingles littered the streets.

Funnel Cloud, Wabash

When: May 25, 6:40 PM CST
Where: Wabash County, Mt Carmel
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.420, -87.770

Funnel Cloud, Wabash

When: May 25, 6:43 PM CST
Where: Wabash County, 0.54 mi E of Bellmont
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.380, -87.910

Hail, Wabash

When: May 25, 6:43 PM CST
Where: Wabash County, 0.54 mi E of Bellmont
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.380, -87.910

Thunderstorm Wind, White

When: May 25, 6:45 PM CST
Where: White County, Grayville
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 38.270, -88.000

A commercial building was damaged in downtown Grayville. A portion of the front of the building collapsed. Windows were broken. Doors were blown in. Numerous trees were knocked down. One tree fell onto a porch, causing extensive damage. Another tree landed on a mobile home, but damage was minimal.

Thunderstorm Wind, Edwards

When: May 25, 6:46 PM CST
Where: Edwards County, Albion
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $40,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.380, -88.050

Trees were blown down. One tree landed on a mobile home just south of the city.

Thunderstorm Wind, Wabash

When: May 25, 7:00 PM CST
Where: Wabash County, Mt Carmel
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 38.420, -87.770

Numerous tree limbs and a couple of trees were blown down. One uprooted tree fell onto the back end of a school bus. Tree limbs fell on power lines, causing scattered power outages.

What these are

Funnel Cloud: A rotating column of cloud extending from a thunderstorm that did not reach the ground.
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.
Heavy Rain: Rainfall totals unusual for the place and season that did not produce a flood.

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, May 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: 301398, 301415, 302361, 307040, 310087, 303529, 301399, 301448, 307063, 301424, 301401, 301428, 310115, 301438, 302362, 301449, 301450, 309162, 301431, 301435, 301397, 307059, 301406, 310117, 301451, 303557, 310127, 301443, 307060, 303552, 310130, 302363, 303551, 310506, 307061, 310098, 301408, 303553, 310103, 301444, and more.