A cluster of thunderstorms intensified over Logan and Macon counties during the pre-dawn hours of August 19th. One of the cells produced a downburst with 80-100 mph winds and significant wind damage in the town of Maroa in Macon County.
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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.
The episode as NWS ILX wrote it up.
A cluster of thunderstorms intensified over Logan and Macon counties during the pre-dawn hours of August 19th. One of the cells produced a downburst with 80-100 mph winds and significant wind damage in the town of Maroa in Macon County. Strong 70-80 mph winds also caused damage further south in Forsyth on the north side of Decatur.
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 Aug 19, 1:45 AM CST, 21 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Lincoln IL 245 AM CDT Tue Aug 19 2025 .KEY MESSAGES... - Hot and humid conditions continue south of I-70 today, where afternoon heat indices of 100 to 105 are expected. A cold front will move through today though, resulting in temperatures returning to near normal for the rest of the work week. - Scattered storms are possible (20-40% chance) through the afternoon, mainly south of I-72/Danville. Isolated strong wind gusts are possible with these storms. && .DISCUSSION... Issued at 242 AM CDT Tue Aug 19 2025 A convective complex was ongoing at 2am/07z, with outflow draped between the I-55 and I-72 corridors and storms located to the immediate west of the OFB. The main forecast change is a faster southward progression of the frontal boundary, due in part to these ongoing storms. The 19.00z guidance suite generally had a good handle on these expectations. While the front will push south of the area today, the air immediately behind the front will still be muggy with dewpoints staying in the mid 70s for much of the day (although slightly lower dewpoint air should start to push in from the north tonight). The expectation is that temps will still warm into the 90s south of I-70 ahead of the front, although the ongoing convection does add a layer of uncertainty as to whether or not these temps are reached. The 19.00z HREF had a 60-80% probability of heat indices reaching at least 100 south of I-70, so opted to hoist one last heat advisory for Effingham to Crawford county and southward. The faster frontal progression should also mean a faster end to precip across the area, with chances ending from NW to SE through the day. For the daytime hours, scattered precip will mainly be focused south of I-72/Danville (20-40%), shifting south of I-70 by early evening, and out of the area by late evening. Similar to previous days, a few storms could produce strong to severe wind gusts owing to strong instability, but weak shear will limit a more organized severe threat. Once this front departs, the rest of the week should be dry (precip chances below 10%) with seasonable temperatures (highs in the mid 80s). While NNE sfc winds on Wed could enhance low-level moisture in east-central IL due to fetch off Lake Michigan, fcst soundings show modest capping in place to stymie any shower activity, at least in our CWA. Dewpoints gradually trend lower and are expected to fall into the mid 60s by Thurs-Fri. *** THIS WEEKEND INTO NEXT WEEK *** There is still a strong signal for below normal temps in the extended as an upper wave pushes across the northern Great Lakes and sends a cold front through IL late Fri or during the day Sat. Still think there is a some precip potential with this front, although it's unlikely to amount to much as synoptic forcing aloft will be quite limited and the best instability trails behind the front. Blended guidance still has PoPs at just 10%, with the low values likely due in part to timing differences with the front, as well as placement differences and limited precip coverage. This post-frontal airmass should provide an early taste of fall, with high temperatures likely falling into the 70s. The NBM has a 20- 40% chance for highs above 80F north of I-70 on Sun, and just a 10- 30% chance area-wide next Mon. The cooler temps will also be accompanied by lower dewpoints, with the model blend dropping dewpoints into the mid 50s. Erwin && .AVIATION... (For the 06z TAFs through 06z Tuesday Night) Issued at 1227 AM CDT Tue Aug 19 2025 A decaying line of showers and thunderstorms is pushing across central Illinois early this morning ahead of a cold front. Have therefore maintained the TEMPO group for TSRA between 07z-10z at KPIA/KBMI/KCMI, but have downgraded to PROB30 further south at KSPI/KDEC. Ceilings will lower for a brief time late this morning in the vicinity of the cold front, mainly at KPIA/KBMI where MVFR conditions are most likely (> 60% probability). Clouds eventually lift and scatter across the board this afternoon, with winds veering from west to north by sunset. MJA && .ILX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Heat Advisory from noon today to 7 PM CDT this evening for ILZ066>068-071>073. &&
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Lincoln IL 205 PM CDT Mon Aug 18 2025 ILZ027>031-036>038-040>057-061>063-066>068-191915- Knox-Stark-Peoria-Marshall-Woodford-Fulton-Tazewell-McLean-Schuyler- Mason-Logan-De Witt-Piatt-Champaign-Vermilion-Cass-Menard-Scott- Morgan-Sangamon-Christian-Macon-Moultrie-Douglas-Coles-Edgar-Shelby- Cumberland-Clark-Effingham-Jasper-Crawford- 205 PM CDT Mon Aug 18 2025 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Illinois, east central Illinois, southeast Illinois and west central Illinois. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Heat indices will slowly fall from the triple digits early this evening into the mid 70s overnight. Scattered thunderstorms are possible this evening into tonight (30 to 40% chance). Any storm that develops will be capable of frequent lightning, heavy rain, and locally strong winds. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. There is a 30-50% chance of thunderstorms Tuesday, with the highest chances during the morning. Severe weather is not expected, but locally heavy rain and frequent lightning are possible. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not anticipated tonight. ILZ071>073-191915- Clay-Richland-Lawrence- 205 PM CDT Mon Aug 18 2025 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Illinois. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Heat indices will slowly fall from the triple digits early this evening into the mid 70s overnight. Scattered thunderstorms are possible this evening into tonight (20 to 30% chance). Any storm that develops will be capable of frequent lightning, heavy rain, and locally strong winds. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. The combination of heat and humidity is forecast to result in heat indices of 100 to 105 Tuesday afternoon. There is a 30-40% chance of thunderstorms Tuesday. Severe weather is not expected, but locally heavy rain and frequent lightning are possible. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not anticipated tonight. Bumgardner
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
1002 PM CDT Mon Aug 18 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0906 PM Lightning Farmington 40.70N 90.00W
08/18/2025 Fulton IL Emergency Mngr
Lightning struck a utility pole and the
intersection of N. East St. and E. Court
St., causing it to shatter.
0924 PM Lightning East Peoria 40.66N 89.58W
08/18/2025 Tazewell IL Emergency Mngr
Lightning struck a transformer on East
Washington St.
&&
GeelhartPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
1005 PM CDT Mon Aug 18 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0858 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg Pekin 40.56N 89.64W
08/18/2025 Tazewell IL Broadcast Media
Large tree branch broken off near the
intersection of S. 8th St. and Prince St.
&&
GeelhartPreliminary Local Storm Report...Summary
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
1010 PM CDT Mon Aug 18 2025
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0750 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 1 N London Mills 40.73N 90.27W
08/18/2025 E60 MPH Knox IL Emergency Mngr
Estimated 50 to 60 mph wind gusts.
0752 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 1 N London Mills 40.73N 90.27W
08/18/2025 E70 MPH Knox IL Trained Spotter
Severe winds lasted 2-3 minutes.
0812 PM Tstm Wnd Gst Farmington 40.70N 90.01W
08/18/2025 M57 MPH Fulton IL Emergency Mngr
0858 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg Pekin 40.56N 89.64W
08/18/2025 Tazewell IL Broadcast Media
Large tree branch broken off near the
intersection of S. 8th St. and Prince St.
0905 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 2 W Peoria Heights 40.74N 89.60W
08/18/2025 E60 MPH Peoria IL Trained Spotter
North side of Peoria.
0906 PM Lightning Farmington 40.70N 90.00W
08/18/2025 Fulton IL Emergency Mngr
Lightning struck a utility pole and the
intersection of N. East St. and E. Court
St., causing it to shatter.
0918 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 4 NNW Hopedale 40.47N 89.45W
08/18/2025 E50 MPH Tazewell IL NWS Employee
0924 PM Lightning East Peoria 40.66N 89.58W
08/18/2025 Tazewell IL Emergency Mngr
Lightning struck a transformer on East
Washington St.
&&
GeelhartSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
207 AM CDT Tue Aug 19 2025
ILZ042-190730-
Logan-
207 AM CDT Tue Aug 19 2025
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL LOGAN COUNTY THROUGH 230
AM CDT...
At 206 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Lincoln, moving east at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Lincoln.
This includes the following highways...
Interstate 155 between mile markers 0 and 2.
Interstate 55 between mile markers 123 and 132.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4015 8948 4022 8942 4016 8919 4004 8930
TIME...MOT...LOC 0706Z 292DEG 12KT 4017 8942
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
MJASpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
219 AM CDT Tue Aug 19 2025
ILZ041-042-048-190745-
Logan-Mason-Menard-
219 AM CDT Tue Aug 19 2025
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN MENARD...
SOUTHWESTERN LOGAN AND SOUTHEASTERN MASON COUNTIES THROUGH 245 AM
CDT...
At 219 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Greenview, or 7 miles south of Mason City, moving east at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Elkhart, Middletown, and Broadwell.
This includes Interstate 55 between mile markers 113 and 122.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4005 8969 4014 8965 4010 8931 3995 8940
TIME...MOT...LOC 0719Z 288DEG 21KT 4009 8967
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
MJASpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
231 AM CDT Tue Aug 19 2025
ILZ043-044-053-190800-
Macon-Piatt-De Witt-
231 AM CDT Tue Aug 19 2025
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN PIATT...
SOUTHWESTERN DE WITT AND NORTHEASTERN MACON COUNTIES THROUGH 300 AM
CDT...
At 230 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Kenney, or 7 miles southwest of Clinton, moving east at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Clinton, Maroa, Argenta, Weldon, Kenney, Clinton Power Station,
Weldon Springs State Park, Lane, and Hallsville.
This includes Interstate 72 between mile markers 150 and 156.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 4010 8874 3995 8875 3997 8911 4016 8911
4017 8873
TIME...MOT...LOC 0730Z 269DEG 28KT 4008 8907
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
MJAThe Lincoln radar (KILX), 42 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 08:04 UTC.
8 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
All the west-facing air conditioner units at a hotel were pushed inward due to strong thunderstorm winds. In addition, a trailer was rolled over and a large tree was blown onto power lines.
Extensive tree damage occurred on a property in Forsyth.
Extensive wind damage occurred across Maroa. The roof of a township building on South Wood Street was blown off and approximately 100 trees were blown down across town. A camper was blown over and crops near town were flattened. In addition, a solar farm on the south side of Maroa was destroyed.
Numerous trees and tree branches were blown down in Montezuma Hills.
Numerous trees were blown down and minor structural damage occurred at Hickory Point Mall.
Several trees and cornfields were damaged south of of Argenta.
Two trees were blown down.
Part of a metal roof was blown off a building at South Farms UIUC.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Illinois in 2025Every state in 2025This day in weather historyWarnings in Illinois, August 2025
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: 1289075, 1289076, 1289078, 1289079, 1289080, 1289081, 1289082, 1289084.