Tornadoes and Hail in Illinois, May 16, 2025

Name: Tornadoes and Hail in Illinois, May 16, 2025
Start: 2025-05-16T14:14
End: 2025-05-16T17:54
Location: Illinois

May 16, 2025 · NWS ILX · 28 events in 9 counties and zones

Scattered supercell thunderstorms developed in the vicinity of a nearly stationary frontal boundary draped along I-70 during the afternoon and early evening of May 16th. most notably in the Decatur and Effingham areas.

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: 1
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 28

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.

Scattered supercell thunderstorms developed in the vicinity of a nearly stationary frontal boundary draped along I-70 during the afternoon and early evening of May 16th. The storms first formed along a Springfield to Saint Louis line, then tracked east-northeastward generally south of the I-72 corridor, causing sporadic wind damage...most notably in the Decatur and Effingham areas. In addition, the highly unstable airmass to the south created vigorous storm updrafts which supported very large hail. Upon initial storm development, a few stones as large as golf balls occurred on the southeast side of Springfield to near Riverton. However, an even stronger cell later in the afternoon dropped 3-inch diameter hail (larger than a baseball) in Robinson in Crawford County. Another nearby storm produced an EF-1 tornado that tracked across portions of northern Crawford and southern Clark County before crossing the Wabash River into Sullivan County, Indiana.

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 16, 1:11 PM CST, 1 hour 3 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

There is a level 4 of 5 (moderate) risk for severe weather Friday afternoon and evening south of roughly I-70, and a level 3 (enhanced) risk further northwest to roughly I-55. Possible hazards include intense straight-line winds, large hail, and tornadoes.
Southwest winds gusting 35-50 mph this afternoon will combine with relative humidity values below 30% north of I-72 to result in increased fire danger.
Those strong winds will also result in a risk for localized blowing dust, which could briefly diminish visibility for motorists in rural areas. That risk will be highest north of I-70 and east of roughly the IL River.

Area forecast discussion, May 16, 1:11 PM CST, 1 hour 3 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
211 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

.KEY MESSAGES...

- There is a level 4 of 5 (moderate) risk for severe weather
  Friday afternoon and evening south of roughly I-70, and a level
  3 (enhanced) risk further northwest to roughly I-55. Possible
  hazards include intense straight-line winds, large hail, and
  tornadoes.

- Southwest winds gusting 35-50 mph this afternoon will combine
  with relative humidity values below 30% north of I-72 to result
  in increased fire danger.

- Those strong winds will also result in a risk for localized
  blowing dust, which could briefly diminish visibility for
  motorists in rural areas. That risk will be highest north of
  I-70 and east of roughly the IL River.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 143 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

A mid level disturbance lifting northeast out of the central Plains
will bring an opportunity for severe thunderstorms to the region
this afternoon and evening. In its wake, conditions turn dry and
cooler for the upcoming weekend. Early next work week, thunderstorm
chances will return with the approach of another trough lifting out
of the Great Plains.

***** SEVERE WEATHER RISK THIS AFTERNOON-EVENING *****

At 2pm, surface temperatures were in the mid to upper 80s across
central IL, with dewpoints ranging from the low to mid 60s south
of roughly I-70 to low 40s west of the IL River. The more abundant
moisture continues to surge north in advance of a mid-upper level
disturbance lifting towards the region from the Central Plains,
though this will eventually be limited by ongoing upstream
convection across east-central MO. As these storms build
northeast along the dryline and move into central IL, they will
pose a risk for all severe hazards, including large-significant
hail, destructive downburst winds; meanwhile, the risk for
tornadoes will be higher in southeast and east-central IL where
low level moisture is higher and hence LCL heights are lower.
While convective mode is depicted in virtually every CAM as
discrete to start, there may be a tendency towards upscale growth
into a MCS capable of widespread damaging winds. Fortunately,
these storms will be moving quickly, so the threat will be
rapidly diminishing from west to east and we'll update the watch
accordingly. By 9pm (if not sooner), the storms should be out of
here.

***** GUSTY WINDS TODAY ****

South-southwest winds will continue to gust 30 to 40 mph today, with
some potential for sporadic gusts up to 50 mph especially across
our western counties where winds aloft will be increasing with the
approaching upper level trough. HRRR/RAP Bufkit soundings suggest
top of channel winds could exceed 50 kt at times mainly west of
the IL River, but we suspect a slight dry bias may be resulting in
erroneously high values; nonetheless, we'll be monitoring surface
observations in case we need to expand the Wind Advisory to
include more counties. In addition, these strong winds could
result in some localized blowing dust which could degrade
visibility for motorists, especially considering we already had a
few reports of such blowing dust yesterday and winds are running
slightly stronger today. These strong winds, combined with dry low
levels (RH values < 30%) across our north/northwest counties, are
resulting in increased fire weather danger which will continue
through the evening. See the fire weather section below for more
information on that.

***** DRY AND COOLER THIS WEEKEND *****

The upper trough will shift east and surface high pressure build
into the region in its wake tomorrow/night, giving us a dry and
seasonably cool weekend with daily highs in the low to mid 70s.
Tomorrow may actually feel a bit chilly given northwest winds
gusting to around 30 mph. The next opportunity for precipitation
will arrive Sunday night/Monday into Tuesday of next week as another
system lifts out of the Central Plains. A lot remains unclear about
that system, including its arrival time and warmth/moisture return
ahead of it, which suggests vast uncertainty surrounding both
precipitation amounts and any severe weather potential. However, a
strong push of cool advection appears increasingly likely towards
the middle of next work week; blended guidance from NBM brings highs
into only the low to mid 60s by Wednesday.

Bumgardner

&&

.AVIATION...  (For the 18z TAFs through 18z Saturday Afternoon)
Issued at 1232 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

Between an unseasonably deep low pressure system across the Upper
Midwest and a surface high to our east, the pressure gradient has
tightened across central IL favoring stiff south to southwest
winds which will gust 25 to 35 kt (sporadically higher) through
the evening. Meanwhile, a shortwave disturbance lifting out of the
Central Plains will spark storms somewhere across the area, with
the highest confidence in storms at DEC and CMI and less certainly
further northwest. These storms will be capable of generating
localized large hail and wind gusts over 50 kt, as well as briefly
diminished visibility. Behind a cold front, winds will shift to
westerly this evening and remain gusty through the early portion
of the overnight period. Lower ceilings will filter in from the
north towards sunrise/11z, with HREF giving a 40-60% for MVFR at
PIA and BMI for several hours during the early to mid morning.
Winds pick back up a bit around 15-16z as diurnal heating deepens
mixing.

Bumgardner

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 208 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

Deep mixing has resulted in large dewpoint depressions and hence
RH values less than 30% near and north of roughly I-72, where wind
gusts are slated to increase to upwards of 35-45 mph shortly.
Consequently, we recommend limiting or at least using extra
precautions with any burning activities during the late morning
into early evening. The special weather statement remains for
areas from I-72 northward to address the enhanced fire danger
today.

Bumgardner/Huettl

&&

.ILX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Wind Advisory until 11 PM CDT this evening for ILZ027>031-037-
038.

&&

Hazardous weather outlook, May 16, 12:08 PM CST, 2 hours 6 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
108 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

ILZ027>031-036-037-040-041-047>050-171815-
Knox-Stark-Peoria-Marshall-Woodford-Fulton-Tazewell-Schuyler-Mason-
Cass-Menard-Scott-Morgan-
108 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

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

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Another round of severe weather is expected this afternoon and
evening across portions of central and southeast Illinois. All
severe weather hazards including large hail exceeding 2 inches in
diameter, thunderstorm wind gusts exceeding 70 mph, and a tornado
are possible. The severe storm chances are higher in areas east of
I-55.

Dry and gusty conditions could support rapid fire spread and blowing
dust this afternoon. Southwesterly wind gusts up to 50 mph are
possible this afternoon, then westerly wind gusts up to 45 mph are
possible into the evening.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

The risk for severe weather then returns on Monday across portions
of
west central Illinois and again on Tuesday as slow moving system
moves across the region. Locally heavy rain is also possible.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed between 3 PM and 7 PM today.

Expected storm motion is toward the northeast around 50 mph.

ILZ038-042>046-051>057-061>063-066>068-071>073-171815-
McLean-Logan-De Witt-Piatt-Champaign-Vermilion-Sangamon-Christian-
Macon-Moultrie-Douglas-Coles-Edgar-Shelby-Cumberland-Clark-Effingham-
Jasper-Crawford-Clay-Richland-Lawrence-
108 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

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

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Another round of severe weather is likely this afternoon and
evening. All severe weather hazards including large hail exceeding 2
inches in diameter, thunderstorm wind gusts exceeding 70 mph, and a
tornado are possible.

Dry and gusty conditions could support rapid fire spread and blowing
dust this afternoon, mainly in areas north of I-72.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

The risk for severe weather then returns on Monday across portions
of
west central Illinois and again on Tuesday as slow moving system
moves across the region. Locally heavy rain is also possible.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will likely be needed between 3 PM and 9 PM today.

Expected storm motion is toward the northeast around 50 mph.

Erwin

In the hours before

Local storm report, May 16, 9:03 AM CST, 5 hours 11 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
1003 AM CDT Fri May 16 2025

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

0647 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     2 SW Armington          40.32N 89.34W
05/15/2025                   Logan              IL   Broadcast Media

            Delayed report. Photos show a farm
            outbuilding completely destroyed, power
            poles down, and sheet metal strewn about the
            property. A damage survey may be needed in
            this area. Time estimated by radar.

0740 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     1 SSW Warrensburg       39.92N 89.07W
05/15/2025                   Macon              IL   Emergency Mngr

            Delayed report. Power poles blown down. Time
            estimated by radar.

0740 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     3 SSW Warrensburg       39.89N 89.09W
05/15/2025                   Macon              IL   Emergency Mngr

            Delayed report. Power poles blown down. Time
            estimated by radar.

0740 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     2 ESE Latham            39.95N 89.12W
05/15/2025                   Macon              IL   Emergency Mngr

            Delayed report. Power poles blown down. Time
            estimated by radar.

0757 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     Cerro Gordo             39.89N 88.73W
05/15/2025                   Piatt              IL   Public

            Delayed report. Social media photos show
            large tree limbs down onto and around a
            house. Some interior home damage occurred.

&&

Erwin

Local storm report, May 16, 9:04 AM CST, 5 hours 10 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report...Summary
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
1004 AM CDT Fri May 16 2025

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

0617 PM     Hail             Pleasant Plains         39.87N 89.92W
05/15/2025  M0.70 Inch       Sangamon           IL   Fire Dept/Rescue

            Estimated 55 mph wind gust at the same time.

0617 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     Pleasant Plains         39.87N 89.92W
05/15/2025  E55 MPH          Sangamon           IL   Fire Dept/Rescue

            Dime sized hail occurred at the same time.

0620 PM     Hail             Bartonville             40.65N 89.66W
05/15/2025  M1.00 Inch       Peoria             IL   Trained Spotter

0622 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     3 NW Peoria             40.75N 89.63W
05/15/2025  M60 MPH          Peoria             IL   Trained Spotter

0623 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     3 NW Salisbury          39.91N 89.84W
05/15/2025                   Menard             IL   Law Enforcement

            Sign blown over on highway 97 near Hurie
            Avenue, and farm shed destroyed on Hurie
            Avenue west of highway 97.

0625 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     2 NW Peoria Heights     40.76N 89.59W
05/15/2025                   Peoria             IL   NWS Employee

            10 inch tree branch snapped. Time estimated
            by radar.

0626 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     1 N Athens              39.98N 89.73W
05/15/2025                   Menard             IL   Law Enforcement

            Wind-driven hail damage to a residence north
            of Athens.

0627 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     Athens                  39.96N 89.72W
05/15/2025                   Menard             IL   Emergency Mngr

            Scattered tree damage occurred throughout
            town.

0627 PM     Hail             Athens                  39.96N 89.72W
05/15/2025  M1.00 Inch       Menard             IL   Emergency Mngr

0627 PM     Hail             Athens                  39.96N 89.73W
05/15/2025  E1.50 Inch       Menard             IL   Public

            Ping pong ball size hail at the city park.

0629 PM     Hail             2 N Athens              39.99N 89.72W
05/15/2025  M1.75 Inch       Menard             IL   Trained Spotter

            Time estimated by radar.

0630 PM     Hail             Creve Coeur             40.64N 89.60W
05/15/2025  M0.70 Inch       Tazewell           IL   Trained Spotter

0630 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     1 SE Bay View Garden    40.80N 89.50W
05/15/2025                   Woodford           IL   Trained Spotter

            Numerous trees damaged, along with some
            outbuildings. Time estimated from radar.

0635 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     3 S Hartsburg           40.21N 89.45W
05/15/2025                   Logan              IL   Public

            Report of two semi trucks blown over on
            I-155 near mile marker 3. Report was relayed
            by emergency manager and time was estimated
            by radar.

0638 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     4 E New Holland         40.18N 89.51W
05/15/2025                   Logan              IL   Emergency Mngr

            significant damage to a home. power line
            down nearby.

0638 PM     Hail             Elkhart                 40.02N 89.48W
05/15/2025  M1.50 Inch       Logan              IL   Emergency Mngr

0638 PM     Hail             Hartsburg               40.25N 89.44W
05/15/2025  M0.70 Inch       Logan              IL   Emergency Mngr

            Estimated 50 mph winds occurred at the same
            time.

0638 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     Elkhart                 40.02N 89.48W
05/15/2025                   Logan              IL   Public

            Trees down. Social media report.

0641 PM     Hail             5 W Washburn            40.92N 89.39W
05/15/2025  M1.00 Inch       Woodford           IL   Public

0642 PM     Hail             1 NE Grandview          39.83N 89.60W
05/15/2025  E0.75 Inch       Sangamon           IL   Public

            Report from mPING: Dime (0.75 in.).

0643 PM     Hail             2 NW Broadwell          40.09N 89.47W
05/15/2025  M1.75 Inch       Logan              IL   Trained Spotter

            Corrects location on previous report from
            Broadwell.

0643 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     2 NW Broadwell          40.09N 89.47W
05/15/2025                   Logan              IL   Trained Spotter

            A large tree was split with half of the tree
            falling over. Golf ball sized hail also
            occurred around this time. Time estimated by
            radar.

0647 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     2 SW Armington          40.32N 89.34W
05/15/2025                   Logan              IL   Broadcast Media

            Delayed report. Photos show a farm
            outbuilding completely destroyed, power
            poles down, and sheet metal strewn about the
            property. A damage survey may be needed in
            this area. Time estimated by radar.

0648 PM     Hail             1 W Lincoln             40.15N 89.38W
05/15/2025  M1.75 Inch       Logan              IL   Emergency Mngr

0648 PM     Hail             3 W Lincoln             40.16N 89.41W
05/15/2025  E1.00 Inch       Logan              IL   Public

            Report from mPING: Quarter (1.00 in.).

0649 PM     Hail             NWS Lincoln             40.15N 89.34W
05/15/2025  M1.00 Inch       Logan              IL   NWS Employee

0659 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     Broadwell               40.07N 89.44W
05/15/2025  M62 MPH          Logan              IL   Mesonet

            Mesonet station UR707 Broadwell.

0659 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     Mclean                  40.32N 89.17W
05/15/2025  M60 MPH          McLean             IL   Trained Spotter

0700 PM     Hail             3 NE Shirley            40.44N 89.03W
05/15/2025  M1.00 Inch       McLean             IL   NWS Employee

0702 PM     Hail             3 N Shirley             40.46N 89.06W
05/15/2025  M1.00 Inch       McLean             IL   Trained Spotter

0702 PM     Hail             1 SW Bloomington        40.47N 89.00W
05/15/2025  E0.75 Inch       McLean             IL   Public

            Report from mPING: Dime (0.75 in.).

0703 PM     Hail             3 SW Bloomington        40.45N 89.03W
05/15/2025  M1.25 Inch       McLean             IL   NWS Employee

0703 PM     Funnel Cloud     2 SSE Riverton          39.82N 89.52W
05/15/2025                   Sangamon           IL   Trained Spotter

            Small funnel reported by trained spotter.

0703 PM     Hail             2 W Bloomington         40.49N 89.04W
05/15/2025  E0.75 Inch       McLean             IL   Public

            Report from mPING: Dime (0.75 in.).

0703 PM     Hail             1 SW Bloomington        40.47N 89.00W
05/15/2025  E1.25 Inch       McLean             IL   Public

            Report from mPING: Half Dollar (1.25 in.).

0704 PM     Hail             1 SW Bloomington        40.47N 89.00W
05/15/2025  E1.75 Inch       McLean             IL   Public

            Report from mPING: Golf Ball (1.75 in.).

0705 PM     Hail             Bloomington             40.48N 88.99W
05/15/2025  M1.00 Inch       McLean             IL   Public

0705 PM     Hail             1 N Normal              40.52N 88.98W
05/15/2025  M2.00 Inch       McLean             IL   Emergency Mngr

            Photo provided measuring the hail. Time
            estimated by radar.

0705 PM     Hail             4 W Bloomington         40.50N 89.06W
05/15/2025  E1.00 Inch       McLean             IL   Public

            Report from mPING: Quarter (1.00 in.).

0705 PM     Hail             2 W Bloomington         40.49N 89.04W
05/15/2025  E1.00 Inch       McLean             IL   Public

            Report from mPING: Quarter (1.00 in.).

0706 PM     Hail             1 WNW Normal            40.51N 89.00W
05/15/2025  M2.00 Inch       McLean             IL   Public

            Social media report with photo provided
            measuring the hail with a ruler. Time
            estimated by radar.

0706 PM     Hail             Normal                  40.51N 88.98W
05/15/2025  M1.00 Inch       McLean             IL   Emergency Mngr

0706 PM     Hail             2 NNW Central Illinois  40.50N 88.93W
05/15/2025  M1.00 Inch       McLean             IL   NWS Employee

0708 PM     Hail             Normal                  40.51N 88.98W
05/15/2025  M1.75 Inch       McLean             IL   Public

0708 PM     Hail             Normal                  40.51N 88.98W
05/15/2025  E1.25 Inch       McLean             IL   Public

            Report from mPING: Half Dollar (1.25 in.).

0708 PM     Hail             1 W Bloomington         40.48N 89.02W
05/15/2025  E1.75 Inch       McLean             IL   Broadcast Media

0708 PM     Hail             2 E Bloomington         40.48N 88.96W
05/15/2025  M2.00 Inch       McLean             IL   Trained Spotter

            Corrects location of previous report from 2
            E Central Illinois Airport.

0708 PM     Hail             1 NW Central Illinois A 40.49N 88.93W
05/15/2025  E0.75 Inch       McLean             IL   Public

            Report from mPING: Dime (0.75 in.).

0710 PM     Hail             1 SW Normal             40.50N 89.00W
05/15/2025  M1.50 Inch       McLean             IL   Trained Spotter

0711 PM     Hail             Heyworth                40.31N 88.98W
05/15/2025  M0.70 Inch       McLean             IL   Trained Spotter

0711 PM     Hail             2 NE Normal             40.54N 88.97W
05/15/2025  E1.75 Inch       McLean             IL   Public

            Report from mPING: Golf Ball (1.75 in.).

0711 PM     Hail             1 E Normal              40.51N 88.97W
05/15/2025  M1.00 Inch       McLean             IL   Public

0711 PM     Hail             3 N Shirley             40.46N 89.06W
05/15/2025  M1.00 Inch       McLean             IL   Public

0715 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     2 ENE Mechanicsburg     39.82N 89.37W
05/15/2025                   Sangamon           IL   Public

            4 power poles down east of Mechanicsburg.
            Time estimated from radar.

0718 PM     Hail             Chenoa                  40.74N 88.72W
05/15/2025  M0.88 Inch       McLean             IL   Emergency Mngr

0718 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     3 WSW Chenoa            40.73N 88.77W
05/15/2025  M65 MPH          McLean             IL   Mesonet

0720 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     3 WNW Towanda           40.58N 88.95W
05/15/2025  M60 MPH          McLean             IL   Mesonet

            Mesonet station FW2710 Towanda.

0720 PM     Hail             2 WNW Berry             39.73N 89.50W
05/15/2025  M1.75 Inch       Sangamon           IL   Public

            Along highway 29 between Rochester and
            Berry. Social media report.

0722 PM     Hail             Roby                    39.74N 89.40W
05/15/2025  M1.25 Inch       Christian          IL   Public

            Estimated from pictures posted on social
            media.

0723 PM     Hail             Chenoa                  40.74N 88.72W
05/15/2025  E1.75 Inch       McLean             IL   Emergency Mngr

0725 PM     Hail             1 WSW Chenoa            40.74N 88.73W
05/15/2025  M1.50 Inch       McLean             IL   Public

            Hail this fell for approximately two
            minutes.

0727 PM     Hail             Mount Auburn            39.77N 89.26W
05/15/2025  M1.75 Inch       Christian          IL   Public

            Hail from quarter to golf ball size. Social
            media report.

0730 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     Niantic                 39.85N 89.16W
05/15/2025                   Macon              IL   Public

            Tree uprooted. Social media report. Time
            estimated from radar.

0740 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     2 ESE Latham            39.95N 89.12W
05/15/2025                   Macon              IL   Emergency Mngr

            Delayed report. Power poles blown down. Time
            estimated by radar.

0740 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     3 SSW Warrensburg       39.89N 89.09W
05/15/2025                   Macon              IL   Emergency Mngr

            Delayed report. Power poles blown down. Time
            estimated by radar.

0740 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     1 SSW Warrensburg       39.92N 89.07W
05/15/2025                   Macon              IL   Emergency Mngr

            Delayed report. Power poles blown down. Time
            estimated by radar.

0742 PM     Funnel Cloud     2 W Oreana              39.94N 88.91W
05/15/2025                   Macon              IL   Broadcast Media

0743 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     3 W Decatur             39.84N 89.01W
05/15/2025                   Macon              IL   Public

            Power lines down and large tree branch
            broken off on west side of Decatur.

0746 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     1 NNW Decatur Airport   39.85N 88.86W
05/15/2025                   Macon              IL   Public

            Large tree branch broken east of Decatur,
            and power lines down. Time estimated from
            radar.

0748 PM     Funnel Cloud     Oreana                  39.94N 88.87W
05/15/2025                   Macon              IL   Public

            Reported along I-72 near Mile Mark 144.

0757 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     Cerro Gordo             39.89N 88.73W
05/15/2025                   Piatt              IL   Public

            Delayed report. Social media photos show
            large tree limbs down onto and around a
            house. Some interior home damage occurred.

0757 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     Cerro Gordo             39.89N 88.74W
05/15/2025                   Piatt              IL   Public

            Report of a telephone pole broken and wires
            down was relayed by local law enforcement.
            Time was estimated by radar.

0757 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     Cerro Gordo             39.89N 88.73W
05/15/2025                   Piatt              IL   Public

            Large tree and wires down across the road
            report was relayed by local law enforcement.
            Time was estimated by radar.

0757 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     Cerro Gordo             39.89N 88.73W
05/15/2025                   Piatt              IL   Public

            Wires down was relayed by local law
            enforcement. Time was estimated by radar.

0827 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     1 E Champaign           40.11N 88.25W
05/15/2025                   Champaign          IL   Broadcast Media

            Tree down over the road at Springfield Ave
            and State St, relayed by Broadcast media.
            Time was estimated with radar.

0853 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     Willard Airport         40.03N 88.28W
05/15/2025  M58 MPH          Champaign          IL   ASOS

            ASOS station KCMI Willard Arpt.

&&

Erwin

Local storm report, May 16, 9:20 AM CST, 4 hours 54 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
1020 AM CDT Fri May 16 2025

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

0638 PM     Hail             3 W Lincoln             40.14N 89.41W
05/15/2025  E2.00 Inch       Logan              IL   Public

            Delayed report on social media with the time
            estimated by radar. A photo was provided.

0638 PM     Hail             2 S Lincoln             40.12N 89.36W
05/15/2025  E1.75 Inch       Logan              IL   Public

            Delayed report on social media with the time
            estimated by radar. A photo was provided.

0705 PM     Hail             1 W Normal              40.51N 89.00W
05/15/2025  E2.50 Inch       McLean             IL   Public

            Delayed report on social media with the time
            estimated by radar. A photo was provided.

&&

Special weather statement, May 16, 11:07 AM CST, 3 hours 7 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
1207 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

ILZ036-040>051-053-170000-
Fulton-Schuyler-Mason-Logan-De Witt-Piatt-Champaign-Vermilion-Cass-
Menard-Scott-Morgan-Sangamon-Macon-
Including the cities of Canton, Rushville, Havana, Lincoln, Clinton,
Monticello, Champaign, Urbana, Danville, Beardstown, Petersburg,
Winchester, Jacksonville, Springfield, and Decatur
1207 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

...GUSTY WINDS, ENHANCED FIRE DANGER THROUGH THIS EVENING...

South to southwest winds gusting 35 to 45 mph will combine with
relative humidity values less than 30 percent to result in increased
fire danger especially over areas that missed recent rains. Blowing
dust could also occur in recently tilled fields, especially in areas
where rainfall was sparse during the past week.

ILZ027>031-037-038-170000-
Knox-Stark-Peoria-Marshall-Woodford-Tazewell-McLean-
Including the cities of Galesburg, Toulon, Peoria, Lacon, Eureka,
Pekin, Bloomington, and Normal
1207 PM CDT Fri May 16 2025

...STRONG WINDS, ENHANCED FIRE DANGER THROUGH THIS EVENING...

South to southwest winds gusting 35 to 50 mph will combine with
relative humidity values less than 30 percent to result in increased
fire danger especially over areas that missed recent rains. Blowing
dust could also occur in recently tilled fields, especially in areas
where rainfall was sparse during the past week.

Bumgardner

The radar

The Lincoln radar (KILX), 57 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:15 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

13 hail, 13 thunderstorm wind, 2 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Sangamon

When: May 16, 2:14 PM CST to 2:19 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, 1.74 mi NE of Curran
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.750, -89.750

Nickel-sized hail fell near the Wabash Avenue exit on I-72.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sangamon

When: May 16, 2:16 PM CST to 2:21 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, 0.53 mi E of Mildred
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Utility Company
Coordinates: 39.770, -89.640

Power poles were broken and power lines were blown down in the Harvard Park neighborhood.

Hail, Sangamon

When: May 16, 2:17 PM CST to 2:22 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, 1.27 mi WNW of Southlawn
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.760, -89.620

Hail, Sangamon

When: May 16, 2:20 PM CST to 2:25 PM CST
Where: Sangamon County, 1.03 mi NE of Clear Lake
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.832, -89.558

Thunderstorm Wind, Shelby

When: May 16, 2:49 PM CST to 2:54 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 0.87 mi SW of Shelbyville
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 39.410, -88.810

Several large tree branches were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Macon

When: May 16, 3:02 PM CST to 3:07 PM CST
Where: Macon County, Boody
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.770, -89.050

A car lot roof was partially torn off and multiple trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind, Macon

When: May 16, 3:14 PM CST to 3:19 PM CST
Where: Macon County, 1.53 mi WNW of (Dec)decatur Arpt
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Injuries: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.837, -88.897

A tree was blown onto a house on Bayview Drive. One person sustained a head injury.

Thunderstorm Wind, Macon

When: May 16, 3:15 PM CST to 3:20 PM CST
Where: Macon County, Mt Zion
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 39.770, -88.880

A flag pole was snapped in Mt. Zion.

Thunderstorm Wind, Macon

When: May 16, 3:15 PM CST to 3:20 PM CST
Where: Macon County, 2.23 mi ENE of Knights
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 39.810, -88.940

Multiple trees were blown down near Lake Decatur.

Thunderstorm Wind, Macon

When: May 16, 3:15 PM CST to 3:20 PM CST
Where: Macon County, Decatur
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.850, -88.950

Numerous tree branches and power lines were blown down throughout Decatur.

Thunderstorm Wind, Effingham

When: May 16, 3:46 PM CST to 3:51 PM CST
Where: Effingham County, 1.75 mi SW of Altamont
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.050, -88.770

Tree branches were blown down across Route 40 southwest of Altamont.

Thunderstorm Wind, Champaign

When: May 16, 3:46 PM CST to 3:51 PM CST
Where: Champaign County, 0.69 mi N of (Cmi)willard Fld Cha
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 40.040, -88.280

Thunderstorm Wind, Effingham

When: May 16, 3:48 PM CST to 3:53 PM CST
Where: Effingham County, 1.86 mi WSW of Dexter
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.067, -88.710

A power line was downed near the intersection of US-40 and North 500th Street.

Thunderstorm Wind, Effingham

When: May 16, 3:53 PM CST to 3:58 PM CST
Where: Effingham County, 2.95 mi NNE of Funkhouser to 2.6 mi NNE of Funkhouser
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 39.141, -88.614

Several power lines were downed across Lake Sara Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Effingham

When: May 16, 3:57 PM CST to 4:02 PM CST
Where: Effingham County, 0.66 mi SSW of Funkhouser
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.091, -88.633

Power lines were downed near the intersection of US-40 and County Road 900 East.

Thunderstorm Wind, Effingham

When: May 16, 3:57 PM CST to 4:02 PM CST
Where: Effingham County, 2.87 mi NW of Effingham
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.150, -88.567

A power line was downed at Lakewood Manor Mobile Home Park.

Hail, Crawford

When: May 16, 4:00 PM CST to 4:05 PM CST
Where: Crawford County, 0.88 mi NW of Robinson
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 39.010, -87.740

Hail, Crawford

When: May 16, 4:00 PM CST to 4:05 PM CST
Where: Crawford County, 1 mi NNE of Robinson
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 39.013, -87.723

Hail, Crawford

When: May 16, 4:00 PM CST to 4:05 PM CST
Where: Crawford County, Robinson
Measured: 3 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.000, -87.730

Hail, Crawford

When: May 16, 4:05 PM CST to 4:10 PM CST
Where: Crawford County, 0.69 mi N of Gordons
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 39.010, -87.680

Hail, Crawford

When: May 16, 4:09 PM CST to 4:14 PM CST
Where: Crawford County, 0.54 mi W of Robinson
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 39.000, -87.740

Hail, Coles

When: May 16, 4:33 PM CST to 4:38 PM CST
Where: Coles County, 1 mi N of (Mto)mattoon/Chrlstn
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 39.495, -88.280

Hail, Effingham

When: May 16, 4:49 PM CST to 4:54 PM CST
Where: Effingham County, 0.54 mi W of Effingham
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 39.120, -88.540

Hail, Shelby

When: May 16, 4:49 PM CST to 4:54 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 0.69 mi N of Sigel
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 39.230, -88.500

Hail, Cumberland

When: May 16, 5:10 PM CST to 5:15 PM CST
Where: Cumberland County, 2.33 mi SSE of Woodbury
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 39.170, -88.260

Hail, Cumberland

When: May 16, 5:16 PM CST to 5:21 PM CST
Where: Cumberland County, 2.68 mi E of Walla Walla
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 39.200, -88.150

Tornado, Crawford

When: May 16, 5:38 PM CST to 5:48 PM CST
Where: Crawford County, 1.36 mi NE of Annapolis to 0.2 mi NW of West York
Rating: EF1
Path length: 6.46 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Continued into: Clark, Il (ILX)
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 39.164, -87.803

A tornado touched down in a field north of East 2100th Avenue and west of North 800th Street about 1.5 miles north-northeast of Annapolis at 6:38 PM CDT. The tornado tracked east-northeastward, causing minor tree damage before crossing into southern Clark County about 0.5 miles west of West York at 6:48 PM CDT.

Tornado, Clark

When: May 16, 5:48 PM CST to 5:54 PM CST
Where: Clark County, 2.82 mi W of York to 0.62 mi NE of York
Rating: EF1
Path length: 3.31 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Continued into: Sullivan, In (IND)
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 39.172, -87.683

This tornado crossed from Crawford County into southern Clark County about 0.5 miles west of West York at 6:48 PM CDT. It continued eastward, causing EF-1 damage to trees and a farm outbuilding on the west side of the town of York before crossing the Wabash River into the National Weather Service Indianapolis County Warning Area in Sullivan County, Indiana at 6:54 PM CDT.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Illinois in 2025 Every state in 2025 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Illinois, 2025 Warnings in Illinois, May 2025

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: 1251020, 1251033, 1251021, 1251022, 1251034, 1251035, 1251037, 1251038, 1251039, 1251040, 1251041, 1251047, 1251043, 1251044, 1251045, 1251046, 1251023, 1251024, 1251048, 1251025, 1251026, 1251027, 1251028, 1251029, 1251030, 1251031, 1251015, 1251019.