Tornado and Hail in Illinois, February 20, 2014

Name: Tornado and Hail in Illinois, February 20, 2014
Start: 2014-02-20T16:40
End: 2014-02-20T18:30
Location: Illinois

February 20, 2014 · NWS PAH · 17 events in 9 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: $199,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 17

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.

Thunderstorms organized into line segments and isolated supercells as a cold front moved east from Missouri. The storms strengthened within a corridor of weak to moderate instability just ahead of the eastward-moving cold front. The combination of instability, moisture, and wind shear resulted in a few funnel clouds and/or tornadoes. The isolated tornadoes occurred in the region of strongest wind shear north of a line from Anna to Vienna. Scattered to numerous reports of damaging winds over 60 mph accompanied the storms, mainly north of a line from Anna to Vienna. Isolated large hail accompanied the strongest storm cells.

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 Feb 20, 2:33 PM CST, 2 hours 7 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Feb 20, 2:33 PM CST, 2 hours 7 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
233 PM CST Thu Feb 20 2014

.SHORT TERM...(Tonight through Saturday night)
ISSUED AT 230 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

The big news in the short term continues to be approach and passage
of a strong cold front this afternoon and evening having the
potential to produce severe weather.

A low pressure system over northern Missouri will track northeast to
east central Wisconsin by midnight. In the process it will drag a
strong cold front across the region. The front is expected to enter
our far western counties around 3 PM and clear our far southeast
counties around 8 PM. Up to this point today, aside from a few
scattered showers, a capping inversion around 750 MB has held
convection at bay. Aside from the possibility of a few discreet
supercells, it appears that the most widespread  thunderstorm
development will be linear (QLCS) along and just ahead of the front
as evidenced by ongoing convection over eastern Missouri. Although
severe thunderstorms are possible just about anywhere prior to
frontal passage, we expect the highest potential for widespread
severe weather to be mainly south and east of the Ohio river after 6
PM.

The main threat with any thunderstorms that become severe will be
damaging wind gusts, but with decent instability for this time of
year and very impressive wind shear, a few discreet tornadic
supercells and embedded tornadoes in the line are certainly not out
of the question.

The threat of showers and thunderstorms diminishes sharply from west
to east through the rest of the evening hours with the passage of
the front. Beyond that high pressure at the surface and near zonal
flow aloft should keep things dry and a little cooler through the
short term period.

.LONG TERM...(Sunday through Thursday)
ISSUED AT 230 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

Medium confidence in the long term.

Surface high pressure will build into the region Sunday in the wake
of a reinforcing cold front. The extended init generated low pops
over the area Sunday. The GFS and NAM support this albeit a weak
signal. The ECMWF is much drier Sunday. The models have had a hard
time resolving this weekend weather. Also looking at the forecast
soundings from the aforementioned models they might support a few
flurries/sprinkles but not supportive of any real impact. For these
reasons opted to leave it dry until a little better continuity
exists among the models. Otherwise another low pressure system
passes just south of our area that could try to pump a little
moisture up our way. Will monitor this closely for possible intro of
precip Monday night into Tuesday but dry for now as this is a weak
signal as well. The models are hinting at an increase in moisture
toward the end of next week...this to will be monitored closely.

As for temps we will once again cool back down to below normal with
highs struggling to reach 40 next week.

&&

.AVIATION...
ISSUED AT 230 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

A strong cold front will race across the TAF sites this evening.
Predominant VFR conditions expected with MVFR cigs/vsbys and TSRA
between 21-24Z at KCGI/KPAH and between 23-02Z at KEVV/KOWB, then
becoming SKC from west to east starting at KCGI around 06Z.
Southerly winds at 25-30 knots gusting to 35-40 knots will veer
around to the west starting at KCGI around 23Z, then progressing
eastward across the remaining TAF sites. Westerly winds will drop
off to 10-15 knots starting at KCGI around 06Z.

&&

.PAH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
IL...WIND ADVISORY until Midnight CST tonight FOR ILZ075>078-081>083-
     085>087-089>091-093-094.

     WIND ADVISORY until 8 PM CST this evening FOR ILZ080-084-088-092.

MO...WIND ADVISORY until 8 PM CST this evening FOR MOZ076-086-087-100-
     107>112-114.

IN...WIND ADVISORY until Midnight CST tonight FOR INZ081-082-085>088.

KY...WIND ADVISORY until Midnight CST tonight FOR KYZ001>022.

&&

SHORT TERM/AVIATION...JP
LONG TERM/FIRE WX...KH

Hazardous weather outlook, Feb 20, 3:03 PM CST, 1 hour 37 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
303 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

ILZ075>078-080>094-INZ081-082-085>088-KYZ001>022-MOZ076-086-087-
100-107>112-114-212115-
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-
303 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

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

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT

WITH THE PASSAGE OF A STRONG FRONTAL SYSTEM...SCATTERED TO NUMEROUS
THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED ACROSS THE AREA THIS AFTERNOON AND
INTO THE EARLY EVENING HOURS. ANY STORM THAT DEVELOPS WILL HAVE
THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME SEVERE...WITH THE SEVERE POTENTIAL MAXIMIZED
FROM 3 PM TO 8 PM. A SOLID LINE OF STORMS IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP
ALONG THE FRONT...HOWEVER A FEW DISCREET SUPERCELLS OUT AHEAD OF
THE LINE IS NOT OUT OF THE QUESTION. DAMAGING WINDS WILL BE THE MAIN
THREAT...ESPECIALLY WITH THE LINE...BUT A FEW TORNADOES ARE
POSSIBLE WITH THE SUPERCELLS AS WELL AS EMBEDDED IN THE LINE. IN
ADDITION...LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL AND ALREADY SATURATED GROUND MAY
LEAD TO A FEW FLOODING PROBLEMS...ESPECIALLY OVER WEST KENTUCKY.

A WIND ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR THE ENTIRE AREA TODAY AND THIS
EVENING FOR VERY STRONG NON THUNDERSTORM WINDS. PLEASE CONSULT THE
ADVISORY PRODUCT FOR DETAILS.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY

THERE WILL BE AN ELEVATED FIRE RISK AREA WIDE ON FRIDAY...
OTHERWISE NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS REQUESTED THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING.

JP

In the hours before

Local storm report, Feb 20, 3:41 PM CST, 59 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
341 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

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

0335 PM     HAIL             5 E DONIPHAN            36.62N 90.73W
02/20/2014  E0.88 INCH       RIPLEY             MO   PUBLIC

            REPORT VIA SOCIAL MEDIA

&&

RST

Local storm report, Feb 20, 3:49 PM CST, 51 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
349 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

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

0348 PM     HAIL             1 N POPLAR BLUFF        36.78N 90.41W
02/20/2014  M0.50 INCH       BUTLER             MO   EMERGENCY MNGR

&&

SMITTY

Local storm report, Feb 20, 4:26 PM CST, 14 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
426 PM CST THU FEB 20 2014

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

0423 PM     HAIL             5 S MARBLE HILL         37.23N 89.98W
02/20/2014  M1.00 INCH       BOLLINGER          MO   EMERGENCY MNGR

            QUARTER SIZE HAIL REPORTED.

&&

SMITTY

The radar

The Paducah radar (KPAH), 88 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 22:40 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

9 thunderstorm wind, 4 hail, 3 funnel cloud, 1 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Tornado, Jackson

When: February 20, 4:40 PM CST to 4:41 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, 3.09 mi WNW of Etherton to 2.88 mi WNW of Etherton
Rating: EF1
Path length: 0.39 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 37.699, -89.371

Trees were snapped, and there was siding and soffit damage to a home. Tree tops were damaged along the path. Maximum winds were estimated near 95 mph. The damage area was in the Shawnee National Forest a few miles east of the Big Muddy River.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jackson

When: February 20, 4:45 PM CST to 4:53 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, Carbondale to 1.5 mi SSW of Carbondale
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $7,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.720, -89.220

In Carbondale, a trained spotter measured a wind gust to 60 mph. Two six-foot sections of a fence were blown down. The awning on a second home detached from the building. Near the Carbondale Reservoir, tree limbs were blown down at scattered locations.

Hail, Jackson

When: February 20, 4:50 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, Carbondale
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.720, -89.220

Thunderstorm Wind, Williamson

When: February 20, 4:59 PM CST to 5:00 PM CST
Where: Williamson County, 2 mi N of Colp to Carterville
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.829, -89.080

A power pole snapped in Herrin, and another pole snapped two miles north of Colp. Tree limbs were blown down along Highway 13 near Carterville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Alexander

When: February 20, 5:01 PM CST
Where: Alexander County, East Cape Girardeau
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 37.290, -89.480

A wind gust to 59 mph was measured by a weather station operated by the Illinois state Department of Transportation.

Hail, Franklin

When: February 20, 5:10 PM CST to 5:15 PM CST
Where: Franklin County, West Frankfort to 2 mi E of West Frankfort
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.900, -88.920

Funnel Cloud, Williamson

When: February 20, 5:16 PM CST
Where: Williamson County, Johnston City
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.820, -88.930

A trained spotter reported a funnel cloud just northeast of town.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jackson

When: February 20, 5:20 PM CST to 5:33 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, Murphysboro to (Mdh)crbndl/Mrfysbro
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 37.770, -89.330

Wind equipment at the automated observing site at the Carbondale airport measured a gust to 60 mph. In Murphysboro, a power pole was snapped, with lines laying across a home.

Hail, Hamilton

When: February 20, 5:35 PM CST
Where: Hamilton County, 1 mi S of Mc Leansboro
Measured: 1 in hail
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 38.086, -88.530

Some homes on the south side of Mcleansboro had damage from wind-blown hail. Holes were poked in shutters and siding.

Thunderstorm Wind, White

When: February 20, 5:52 PM CST
Where: White County, 0.67 mi N of Burnt Prairie
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.260, -88.269

A tractor-trailer rig was overturned along Interstate 64.

Funnel Cloud, White

When: February 20, 5:54 PM CST
Where: White County, Springerton
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.180, -88.350

A trained spotter reported a funnel cloud heading toward Springerton.

Hail, White

When: February 20, 5:55 PM CST
Where: White County, Springerton
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.180, -88.350

Thunderstorm Wind, White

When: February 20, 6:05 PM CST
Where: White County, 2.4 mi NNE of Calvin
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.233, -88.007

A semi was overturned along Interstate 64.

Thunderstorm Wind, Saline

When: February 20, 6:11 PM CST
Where: Saline County, Harrisburg
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.730, -88.550

A power pole was blown down.

Funnel Cloud, Wabash

When: February 20, 6:17 PM CST
Where: Wabash County, Bellmont
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.380, -87.920

A trained spotter reported a funnel cloud heading toward Bellmont.

Thunderstorm Wind, Gallatin

When: February 20, 6:25 PM CST
Where: Gallatin County, 3 mi N of Equality
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.773, -88.330

A carport was blown into a roadway.

Thunderstorm Wind, White

When: February 20, 6:30 PM CST
Where: White County, Carmi
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Property damage: $9,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.080, -88.170

Numerous tree limbs were blown down. A flag pole was snapped. The peak wind gust was measured at 59 mph at the Carmi airport.

What these are

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.
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.
Funnel Cloud: A rotating column of cloud extending from a thunderstorm that did not reach the ground.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Illinois in 2014 Every state in 2014 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Illinois, 2014 Warnings in Illinois, February 2014

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: 496819, 496793, 496786, 496795, 496812, 496787, 496789, 496814, 496871, 496804, 496790, 496788, 496807, 496803, 496791, 496808, 496799.