Tornadoes and Hail in Illinois, May 22 to 23, 2019

Name: Tornadoes and Hail in Illinois, May 22 to 23, 2019
Start: 2019-05-22T20:55
End: 2019-05-23T01:22
Location: Illinois

May 22 to 23, 2019 · NWS ILX · 67 events in 15 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: $1,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 67

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 strong cold front interacting with a moderately unstable and sheared environment triggered several lines of strong to severe thunderstorms during the late evening of May 22nd into the pre-dawn hours of May 23rd. Five tornadoes developed along the leading edge of the storms, including an EF-1 tornado that caused minor damage across portions of Sangamon, Menard, and Logan counties. Hail up to the size of golf balls was reported west of the I-55 corridor in Mason County before the event transitioned to primarily damaging wind gusts of 60-70mph as the storms pushed eastward to the Indiana border.

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 May 22, 8:34 PM CST, 21 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 22, 8:34 PM CST, 21 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
934 PM CDT Wed May 22 2019

.UPDATE...
Issued at 923 PM CDT Wed May 22 2019

Area of storms continuing to develop and move into Central IL
mostly NW of the IL River valley this evening. Ongoing potential
severe weather the main concern, and only minor updates to the
forecast are required at this point.
To the severe threat, an area of instability out ahead of the
advancing storms providing a little bit of fuel...when able to
lift through the mixed layer cap. Plenty of shear in place, bulk
shear in the 50-60kts, to assist in the development and counter
any suppression of the storm genesis. Threat will remain in place
for damaging winds and isolated tornadoes through the evening in
the watch area.

&&

.SHORT TERM...(This evening through Thursday)
ISSUED AT 251 PM CDT Wed May 22 2019

Although not much evidence in wind field, nice moisture
discontinuity evident across northwest Missouri into western
Wisconsin with dew points generally in the 50s and temps in the
70s to the southeast and 40s to near 50 dewpoints and temps in the
50s and 60s northwest. This boundary will shift southeast in
response to surface low over southwest Minnesota pulling quickly
out to the northeast. As the boundary moves southeast it will
encounter an increasing unstable environment.

One missing factor that is currently not evident is convergence
along the discontinuity. 12z models suggest a low-level jet will
develop this evening and the interaction of the jet with the
boundary will be sufficient to focus moisture and enable the
development of convection which will tap into the instability.
The LLJ will also provide a good source of shear producing
effective SRH around 300 m2/s2 this evening.

The intensity of the convection and the speed at which the
boundary can move southeast overnight depends on the strength and
organization of the cold pool. Initial threat this evening to the
northwest of the Illinois River will likely be large hail,
localized gusty winds, and possibly a tornado. As the system
becomes better organized the main threat of straight-line damaging
winds will become the primary threat. Late tonight the instability
should diminish and the storms should weaken.

Models do differ on the level of organization and therefore how
far the line gets overnight. This will have a bearing on whether
any residual threat remains for Thursday. If the front stalls as
expected in the southeast forecast area some threat of storms
refiring in the afternoon south of I-70 will be possible. If a
cold pool doesn't push the storms southeast, development on
Thursday could be further north across the heart of the forecast
area. Location of the boundary will also have implications as to
the temperatures tomorrow. May be a significant gradient between
upper 70s north to approaching 90 in the southeast.

.LONG TERM...(Thursday night through Wednesday)
ISSUED AT 251 PM CDT Wed May 22 2019

Overall pattern changes little into next week with occasional
waves riding along the downstream side of the long-wave trough
over the Great Basin and southwest U.S. Models in decent agreement
with the general pattern. With the boundary oscillating across
the area in response to the waves. Blend of medium-range models
keep at least a chance of rain in some part of the forecast area
through the period. WPC 7-day QPF suggests highest rain threat
will be in the Illinois Valley where 3 to 4 inches of rain will be
possible between now and mid-week next week.

With split flow and northern stream remaining mostly north of the
Canadian border, temps should be above normal for the end of May.
There is some indication that phasing may be possible by the end
of the period and some cooler air may advect into Illinois, but
the solution envelope is all over the place as evidenced by the
latest 12z GEFS suite showing anything from mid-80s to mid-60s
next Wednesday.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 00Z TAFS through 00Z Thursday evening)
Issued at 650 PM CDT Wed May 22 2019

Scattered thunderstorms have developed from east of KMLI
southwestward to near KMCI early this evening. Models have been
consistently showing the cells forming into a line this evening,
then shifting toward the I-55 corridor by midnight. Based on radar
trends and latest HRRR forecast, have included TEMPO group for
thunder at KPIA between 03z and 06z...and further southeast at
KDEC/KCMI between 07z and 09z. Once the convection exits, a
period of showers will persist for a couple of hours before the
precip comes to an end from northwest to southeast overnight.
Winds will initially be S/SW with gusts of 20-25kt early this
evening, then will veer to the W by Thursday morning.

&&

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

UPDATE...HJS
SHORT TERM...Barker
LONG TERM...Barker
AVIATION...Barnes

Hazardous weather outlook, May 22, 2:09 PM CST, 6 hours 46 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
309 PM CDT Wed May 22 2019

ILZ027>031-036-037-040-041-047>050-231100-
Cass-Fulton-Knox-Marshall-Mason-Menard-Morgan-Peoria-Schuyler-
Scott-Stark-Tazewell-Woodford-
309 PM CDT Wed May 22 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central
Illinois and west central Illinois.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT...

There is an enhanced risk for severe weather tonight.
Thunderstorms will develop across northern Missouri late this
afternoon...then will spread into the Illinois River Valley this
evening. Given the moderately unstable and highly sheared airmass
in place, some of the storms will be capable of producing damaging
wind gusts and large hail. A few tornadoes will be possible as
well.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY...

Moderate flooding will continue along the Illinois River from
Henry to Peoria...while major flooding continues near Havana and
downstream from Beardstown through at least early next week.

There will be additional periodic chances for thunderstorms
Friday through Tuesday. Some of these storms could produce
locally heavy rainfall.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is likely this evening...particularly between
7pm and midnight.

ILZ038-042>045-051>053-231100-
Champaign-Christian-De Witt-Logan-Macon-McLean-Piatt-Sangamon-
309 PM CDT Wed May 22 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central
Illinois and east central Illinois.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT...

There is a slight risk for severe weather tonight. Thunderstorms
will develop across northern Missouri late this afternoon...then
will spread into the Illinois River Valley this evening. The
storms will then shift eastward to the I-55 corridor toward
midnight. Given the moderately unstable and highly sheared
airmass in place, some of the storms will be capable of producing
damaging wind gusts and large hail.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY...

There will be additional periodic chances for thunderstorms
Friday through Tuesday. Some of these storms could produce
locally heavy rainfall.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed tonight...particularly between
10pm and 3am.

ILZ046-054>057-061>063-066>068-071>073-231100-
Clark-Clay-Coles-Crawford-Cumberland-Douglas-Edgar-Effingham-
Jasper-Lawrence-Moultrie-Richland-Shelby-Vermilion-
309 PM CDT Wed May 22 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central
Illinois, east central Illinois and southeast Illinois.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT...

There is a chance of thunderstorms tonight. Severe weather is
not expected.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY...

There will be additional periodic chances for thunderstorms
Friday through Tuesday. Some of these storms could produce
locally heavy rainfall.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is unlikely through tonight.

Barnes

In the hours before

Local storm report, May 22, 2:55 PM CST, 6 hours before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LINCOLN IL
355 PM CDT WED MAY 22 2019

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

0730 AM     HEAVY RAIN       1 W ARTHUR              39.72N 88.49W
05/22/2019  M1.75 INCH       MOULTRIE           IL   CO-OP OBSERVER

&&

JRP

Local storm report, May 22, 8:15 PM CST, 40 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LINCOLN IL
915 PM CDT WED MAY 22 2019

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

0910 PM     HAIL             2 NW HUNTSVILLE         40.20N 90.89W
05/22/2019  M0.50 INCH       SCHUYLER           IL   EMERGENCY MNGR

&&

JRP

The radar

The Lincoln radar (KILX), 75 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 02:54 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

54 thunderstorm wind, 7 tornado, 5 hail, 1 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fulton

When: May 22, 8:55 PM CST to 9:00 PM CST
Where: Fulton County, Canton
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 40.570, -90.030

A drive-up ATM building was blown over.

Tornado, Schuyler

When: May 22, 8:56 PM CST to 8:59 PM CST
Where: Schuyler County, 1.98 mi NNW of Pleasant View to 2.63 mi WNW of Pleasant View
Rating: EF0
Path length: 1.75 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 40.127, -90.481

A tornado touched down in an open field 2.7 miles east of Rushville at 9:56 PM CDT. The tornado tracked northeastward for about 2 miles before dissipating at 9:59 PM CDT. No damage was reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fulton

When: May 22, 9:20 PM CST to 9:25 PM CST
Where: Fulton County, 0.14 mi SW of Marbletown
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 40.229, -90.202

Several large trees were blown down along IL-100 southeast of Summum.

Hail, Mason

When: May 22, 9:45 PM CST to 9:50 PM CST
Where: Mason County, 8 mi E of Havana
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 40.300, -89.918

Thunderstorm Wind, Tazewell

When: May 22, 9:45 PM CST to 9:50 PM CST
Where: Tazewell County, East Peoria
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 40.670, -89.570

Numerous small trees were blown over.

Hail, Tazewell

When: May 22, 10:02 PM CST to 10:07 PM CST
Where: Tazewell County, Green Vly
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 40.400, -89.630

Hail, Tazewell

When: May 22, 10:14 PM CST to 10:19 PM CST
Where: Tazewell County, 3 mi WNW of Hopedale
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 40.437, -89.473

Hail, Tazewell

When: May 22, 10:43 PM CST to 10:48 PM CST
Where: Tazewell County, Pekin
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 40.570, -89.630

Thunderstorm Wind, Cass

When: May 22, 10:48 PM CST to 10:53 PM CST
Where: Cass County, Virginia
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 39.950, -90.220

A tree was blown down onto Highway 125.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cass

When: May 22, 10:57 PM CST to 11:02 PM CST
Where: Cass County, Ashland
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 39.880, -90.020

Several outbuildings were damaged and a large machine shed was completely destroyed. Numerous trees and power poles were blown over or snapped, including one tree that fell onto a house.

Thunderstorm Wind, Morgan

When: May 22, 10:57 PM CST to 11:02 PM CST
Where: Morgan County, Franklin
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 39.620, -90.050

A large tree limb was broken.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLean

When: May 22, 10:59 PM CST to 11:04 PM CST
Where: McLean County, Shirley
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 40.420, -89.070

Numerous tree branches were blown down.

Hail, Morgan

When: May 22, 11:00 PM CST to 11:05 PM CST
Where: Morgan County, 2.53 mi ESE of Prentice
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 39.830, -90.010

Thunderstorm Wind, Sangamon

When: May 22, 11:01 PM CST to 11:06 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, New Berlin
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 39.720, -89.920

A large tree was snapped.

Thunderstorm Wind, Menard

When: May 22, 11:05 PM CST to 11:10 PM CST
Where: Menard County, Tallula
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 39.930, -89.930

Numerous trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Menard

When: May 22, 11:08 PM CST to 11:13 PM CST
Where: Menard County, 1.26 mi WSW of Lincns New Salem St
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 39.960, -89.850

A large tree branch was blown onto a police vehicle along Highway 97 near the Boy Scout Trail.

Thunderstorm Wind, Menard

When: May 22, 11:09 PM CST to 11:14 PM CST
Where: Menard County, Petersburg
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 40.020, -89.850

Power lines were blown down in Petersburg.

Thunderstorm Wind, Menard

When: May 22, 11:10 PM CST to 11:15 PM CST
Where: Menard County, 2.28 mi SSW of Sweet Water
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 40.022, -89.722

A large tree was blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Menard

When: May 22, 11:10 PM CST to 11:15 PM CST
Where: Menard County, Atterberry
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 40.050, -89.900

A tree was blown down onto Highway 97.

Tornado, Sangamon

When: May 22, 11:15 PM CST to 11:20 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, 0.91 mi SW of Cantrall to 2.86 mi NW of Williamsville
Rating: EF1
Path length: 6.53 mi
Path width: 150 yd
Continued into: Menard, Il (ILX)
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 39.920, -89.691

A tornado touched down 1.6 miles southwest of Cantrall at 12:15 AM CDT on May 23rd. The tornado tracked northeastward, damaging a farm and destroying an outbuilding and several trees before crossing into far southeastern Menard County at 12:20 AM CDT.

Thunderstorm Wind, Menard

When: May 22, 11:15 PM CST to 11:20 PM CST
Where: Menard County, 2 mi S of Greenview
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 40.051, -89.750

Three trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sangamon

When: May 22, 11:15 PM CST to 11:20 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, 0.61 mi S of Andrew
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 39.871, -89.631

Several trees were blown down in Carpenter Park just southwest of Sherman.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sangamon

When: May 22, 11:15 PM CST to 11:20 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, Sherman
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.880, -89.600

Several trees were blown down, including one that fell onto a house.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sangamon

When: May 22, 11:16 PM CST to 11:21 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, Springfield
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 39.800, -89.650

A 2-foot diameter tree was blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sangamon

When: May 22, 11:16 PM CST to 11:21 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, (Spi)springfield Arp
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 39.850, -89.680

A large tree was blown over at the IDOT Aeronautics Building.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sangamon

When: May 22, 11:17 PM CST to 11:22 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, Sherman
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.880, -89.600

Several power lines were blown down at Prince and Parkway Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sangamon

When: May 22, 11:19 PM CST to 11:24 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, Williamsville
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.950, -89.550

Five power poles were snapped.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sangamon

When: May 22, 11:19 PM CST to 11:24 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, 1 mi W of Williamsville
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.950, -89.569

Power lines were blown down onto IL-123.

Tornado, Menard

When: May 22, 11:20 PM CST to 11:21 PM CST
Where: Menard County, 1.71 mi SSE of Fancy Prairie to 1.54 mi SE of Fancy Prairie
Rating: EF1
Path length: 0.95 mi
Path width: 150 yd
Continued into: Logan, Il (ILX)
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 39.976, -89.592

This tornado crossed the Sangamon/Menard County line into far southeastern Menard County about 1.5 miles south-southeast of Fancy Prairie at 12:20 AM CDT. It continued northeastward and crossed into southwestern Logan County at 12:21 AM CDT.

Thunderstorm Wind, Menard

When: May 22, 11:20 PM CST to 11:25 PM CST
Where: Menard County, Fancy Prairie
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 40.000, -89.600

Power lines were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sangamon

When: May 22, 11:20 PM CST to 11:25 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, 0.87 mi NE of Mildred
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.780, -89.640

Power poles were bent and several tree branches were blown down at Chatham Road and Veteran's Parkway.

Tornado, Logan

When: May 22, 11:21 PM CST to 11:27 PM CST
Where: Logan County, 5.74 mi WSW of Elkhart to 1.46 mi W of Broadwell
Rating: EF1
Path length: 7.77 mi
Path width: 150 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 39.985, -89.578

This tornado crossed the Menard/Logan County line into southwestern Logan County about 5.7 miles west-southwest of Elkhart at 12:21 AM CDT. The tornado destroyed a machine shed on the Menard/Logan County line, then damaged other outbuildings and trees southwest and west of Elkhart before dissipating 1.9 miles west of Broadwell at 12:27 AM CDT.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sangamon

When: May 22, 11:21 PM CST to 11:26 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, Divernon
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.570, -89.670

A power pole and several trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Logan

When: May 22, 11:23 PM CST to 11:28 PM CST
Where: Logan County, Elkhart
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 40.020, -89.480

Several large trees were blown down, including one that crashed onto a truck's windshield.

Thunderstorm Wind, Logan

When: May 22, 11:23 PM CST to 11:28 PM CST
Where: Logan County, Middletown
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 40.100, -89.580

Seventeen power poles were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Logan

When: May 22, 11:30 PM CST to 11:35 PM CST
Where: Logan County, Mt Pulaski
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 40.020, -89.280

Several trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Logan

When: May 22, 11:30 PM CST to 11:35 PM CST
Where: Logan County, 1.57 mi SW of Lincoln
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 40.135, -89.392

Several trees were snapped at Union Cemetery just southwest of Lincoln.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sangamon

When: May 22, 11:30 PM CST to 11:35 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, Divernon
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 39.570, -89.670

Numerous trees and power lines were blown down in Divernon.

Tornado, Logan

When: May 22, 11:33 PM CST to 11:37 PM CST
Where: Logan County, 1.93 mi NW of Lincoln to 3.62 mi SE of Hartsburg
Rating: EF1
Path length: 2.7 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 40.172, -89.393

A tornado touched down just west of Kickapoo Creek County Park on the north side of Lincoln at 12:33 AM CDT. The tornado tracked northeastward, damaging numerous trees, farm outbuildings, and one house roof before dissipating 4.6 miles north-northwest of Lincoln at 12:37 AM CDT.

Thunderstorm Wind, Logan

When: May 22, 11:34 PM CST to 11:39 PM CST
Where: Logan County, Lincoln
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 40.150, -89.370

Numerous trees, tree branches, and power lines were blown down across Lincoln. One large tree limb fell onto a house near 5th Street and Adams and another limb damaged two cars.

Thunderstorm Wind, Logan

When: May 22, 11:36 PM CST to 11:41 PM CST
Where: Logan County, 0.98 mi NNW of Athol
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 40.183, -89.338

Two vehicles were blown off I-55 on the northeast side of Lincoln.

Thunderstorm Wind, Logan

When: May 22, 11:40 PM CST to 11:45 PM CST
Where: Logan County, 1.74 mi NE of Lawndale
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 40.240, -89.260

A vehicle was blown off I-55 into a ditch just southwest of Atlanta.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLean

When: May 22, 11:47 PM CST to 11:52 PM CST
Where: McLean County, Mc Lean
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 40.320, -89.170

A large tree was blown over in Village Square.

Thunderstorm Wind, De Witt

When: May 22, 11:52 PM CST to 11:57 PM CST
Where: De Witt County, Clinton
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 40.150, -88.950

A large tree was blown down across Jefferson St. near downtown Clinton.

Thunderstorm Wind, Macon

When: May 22, 11:53 PM CST to 11:58 PM CST
Where: Macon County, Harristown
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 39.850, -89.080

A tree was snapped in Harristown.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLean

When: May 22, 11:56 PM CST to May 23, 12:01 AM CST
Where: McLean County, Shirley
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 40.420, -89.070

Numerous tree limbs were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLean

When: May 22, 11:58 PM CST to May 23, 12:03 AM CST
Where: McLean County, 1.38 mi SW of Bloomington
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 40.464, -88.995

A large tree was snapped at the base at Highland Park Golf Course. Several large tree limbs were blown down near Miller Park.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLean

When: May 23, 12:00 AM CST to 12:05 AM CST
Where: McLean County, 1.26 mi WNW of Bloomington
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 40.490, -89.000

A large tree was blown onto an apartment building.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLean

When: May 23, 12:00 AM CST to 12:05 AM CST
Where: McLean County, Normal
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 40.520, -89.000

A large tree was blown onto a house.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLean

When: May 23, 12:01 AM CST to 12:06 AM CST
Where: McLean County, 0.53 mi E of Bloomington
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 40.480, -88.970

Several trees and tree branches were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Macon

When: May 23, 12:03 AM CST to 12:08 AM CST
Where: Macon County, Oreana
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.930, -88.870

A large 16-inch diameter tree was split in half on Rayjon Dr. Power poles and numerous tree limbs were blown down across town.

Thunderstorm Wind, Macon

When: May 23, 12:05 AM CST to 12:10 AM CST
Where: Macon County, 1.33 mi NW of Decatur
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.864, -88.966

A large tree was blown onto a house on Harper Avenue.

Thunderstorm Wind, Macon

When: May 23, 12:05 AM CST to 12:10 AM CST
Where: Macon County, Argenta
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.980, -88.820

A tree was blown onto a house, and numerous power lines were blown down across town.

Thunderstorm Wind, McLean

When: May 23, 12:05 AM CST to 12:10 AM CST
Where: McLean County, 1.25 mi SSE of Le Roy
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 40.334, -88.758

A power pole was bent along I-74 just south of Le Roy.

Thunderstorm Wind, Macon

When: May 23, 12:08 AM CST to 12:13 AM CST
Where: Macon County, 1.18 mi NE of Newburg
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 39.992, -88.784

Several trees were blown down at the eastbound I-72 rest area just northeast of Argenta.

Tornado, Piatt

When: May 23, 12:10 AM CST to 12:12 AM CST
Where: Piatt County, 0.68 mi SSW of Cisco to 0.99 mi ESE of Cisco
Rating: EF1
Path length: 1.34 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 40.012, -88.737

A tornado touched down 0.6 miles west of Cisco at 1:10 AM CDT. The tornado tracked eastward through the north side of Cisco. Numerous trees were damaged, several of which fell onto buildings. The tornado dissipated 0.8 miles northeast of Cisco at 1:12 AM CDT.

Lightning, Macon

When: May 23, 12:10 AM CST to 12:11 AM CST
Where: Macon County, 1.94 mi SSW of Casner
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.776, -88.820

A house on Goodwin Court just east of Mt. Zion was struck by lightning, causing a small fire.

Thunderstorm Wind, Champaign

When: May 23, 12:24 AM CST to 12:29 AM CST
Where: Champaign County, Mahomet
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 40.200, -88.400

A large tree branch was blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Champaign

When: May 23, 12:25 AM CST to 12:30 AM CST
Where: Champaign County, 0.53 mi E of Mahomet
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 40.200, -88.390

Several trees were snapped at the Champaign County Forest Preserve.

Thunderstorm Wind, Champaign

When: May 23, 12:27 AM CST to 12:32 AM CST
Where: Champaign County, Fisher
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 40.320, -88.350

A large tree branch was blown onto a house in Fisher.

Thunderstorm Wind, Champaign

When: May 23, 12:40 AM CST to 12:45 AM CST
Where: Champaign County, Urbana
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 40.100, -88.200

Several tree branches were broken on the east side of Urbana.

Thunderstorm Wind, Champaign

When: May 23, 12:42 AM CST to 12:47 AM CST
Where: Champaign County, 0.4 mi W of Champaign
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 40.120, -88.258

A power pole was snapped at Prospect and Washington.

Thunderstorm Wind, Vermilion

When: May 23, 1:03 AM CST to 1:08 AM CST
Where: Vermilion County, 2.31 mi NW of Fithian
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 40.142, -87.902

Large tree limbs and power lines were blown onto IL-49 and 1900 North Road.

Tornado, Vermilion

When: May 23, 1:06 AM CST to 1:08 AM CST
Where: Vermilion County, 0.54 mi SSW of Muncie to 1.1 mi ENE of Muncie
Rating: EF1
Path length: 1.56 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 40.113, -87.855

A tornado touched down 1 mile east of Fithian at 2:06 AM CDT. The tornado tracked northeastward through the community of Muncie, damaging numerous trees and snapping power poles. A house was damaged when a tree fell onto it, and a semi was blown off I-74. The tornado dissipated 1 mile northeast of Muncie at 2:08 AM CDT.

Thunderstorm Wind, Vermilion

When: May 23, 1:06 AM CST to 1:11 AM CST
Where: Vermilion County, 1.06 mi N of Hope
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 40.215, -87.904

Numerous power poles were blown down onto IL-49 near Hope Township.

Thunderstorm Wind, Vermilion

When: May 23, 1:15 AM CST to 1:20 AM CST
Where: Vermilion County, Hoopeston
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 40.470, -87.670

Numerous trees and power lines were blown down across town.

Thunderstorm Wind, Vermilion

When: May 23, 1:17 AM CST to 1:22 AM CST
Where: Vermilion County, Danville
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 40.130, -87.620

Numerous trees, tree limbs, and power lines were blown down across Danville. At least two houses were damaged by falling trees.

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.
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.
Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
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 2019 Every state in 2019 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Illinois, 2019 Warnings in Illinois, May 2019

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: 819635, 819609, 819637, 819629, 819638, 819630, 819631, 819632, 819639, 819640, 819641, 819642, 819633, 819643, 819644, 819645, 819646, 819647, 819648, 819610, 819649, 819650, 819651, 819653, 819655, 819656, 819657, 819658, 819611, 819659, 819661, 819613, 819662, 819663, 819664, 819665, 819666, 819667, 819618, 819669, and more.