Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Illinois, June 21, 2026

Name: Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Illinois, June 21, 2026
Start: 2026-06-21T14:22
End: 2026-06-21T22:06
Location: Illinois

June 21, 2026 · NWS ILX · 26 events in 11 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: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 26

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 remnant Mesoscale Convective Vortex (MCV) interacted with a sheared and unstable environment to produce numerous supercells in southeast Illinois on June 21st. 13 tornadoes were documented, the strongest being two EF-2 tornadoes near Newton. Storms training over the same areas led to widespread heavy rainfall and several occurrences of flash flooding.

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 Jun 21, 11:18 AM CST, 3 hours 4 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

Widespread rain will occur across central and southeast Illinois today. Amounts of 1 to 2 inches will be common. Isolated higher amounts over 3 inches could result in flash flooding.
There is a Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) for severe weather along and south of a Jacksonville to Danville line from 2 PM to 10 PM today.

Area forecast discussion, Jun 21, 11:18 AM CST, 3 hours 4 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
1218 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Widespread rain will occur across central and southeast Illinois
  today. Amounts of 1 to 2 inches will be common. Isolated
  higher amounts over 3 inches could result in flash flooding.

- There is a Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) for severe weather along
  and south of a Jacksonville to Danville line from 2 PM to 10
 PM today.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 155 AM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026

The 00z high-resolution guidance indicates dual-threats today
consisting of heavy rainfall and a severe weather risk this
afternoon and evening. The primary forecast uncertainty revolves
around the degree of destabilization following this mornings
initial convective activity, and the location of the resulting
outflow boundary/effective warm front. High- resolution models
show a clear signal that the northern portion of the forecast
area will remain overturned and stable. However, near and south
of the I-72 corridor, guidance supports stronger
destabilization.

     SEVERE RISK TODAY...

The RAP and HRRR project MLCAPE values surging over 1000 J/kg
late afternoon south of the warm front. This higher-instability
reservoir will couple with favorable kinematics, as an upper-
level jet streak provides 35 to 45 knots of effective bulk
shear. Updraft helicity (UH) swaths show a distinct clustering
across the southern half of the forecast area after 19z. This
environment favors multi-cell clusters and transient supercells
capable of producing damaging downburst winds and large hail.
Low-level hodographs curve sufficiently near the surface
boundary to support a localized tornado threat, reflected in
SPC's 5% tornado risk. The primary forecast solution favors a
targeted severe threat area focused along and south of a line
from Jacksonville to Lincoln to Danville, peaking between 19z
and 03z, before the instability axis is shunted east into
Indiana.

     HEAVY RAIN TODAY...

Anomalous atmospheric moisture is surging northward into
central Illinois early this morning ahead of an approaching
shortwave. High-resolution guidance shows precipitable water
values climbing into the 2-2.25-inch range, which approaches
climatological maximums for late June. This deep tropical
moisture will interact with a 40-50 kt low-level jet streak,
with its convergent nose aimed at central IL this afternoon. As
a result, thunderstorms will become highly efficient rainfall
producers. The 00z HREF probability-matched mean (PMM) indicates
a widespread swath of 1-3 inches of rain across central and
southeast Illinois, with localized totals exceeding 4 inches
where storms train over the same areas. Given antecedent
saturated soils, this rain will rapidly convert to runoff. The
Weather Prediction Center (WPC) maintains a Moderate Risk (level
3 of 4) in the Excessive Rainfall Outlook (ERO) for today.
Flash flooding is a primary threat, particularly in urban and
low-lying areas.

     NEXT WEEK...

Lingering rain showers remain possible over eastern IL into
Monday morning as the upper- level trough crosses the region.
Cooler, drier air filters in on Monday afternoon on northwest
winds, with highs only in the mid-70s.

Surface high pressure builds over the Midwest on Tuesday,
bringing dry conditions and seasonably mild temperatures with
highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s.

For the mid-to-late week period, the official forecast relies
closely on NBM guidance, though confidence drops due to notable
model disagreements. The main forecast periods of precip are
associated a frontal passage late Wednesday, and a stronger
shortwave projected over the Midwest late Friday into Saturday.
Ensemble guidance show a general trend toward rising geopotential
heights next weekend, suggesting warming temperatures.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z MONDAY/...
Issued at 1218 PM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026

Showers and a few thunderstorms are overspreading central
Illinois early this afternoon with additional development
possible behind this initial line. Confidence in details on
coverage/location of late afternoon/evening storms remains low,
thus precludes more than a prob30 mention at this time.
Meanwhile, E/ESE winds currently in place are expected to back
to NE by late this evening as weak low pressure moves across the
region. MVFR and eventually IFR ceilings will accompany the low
passage, with slow improvement expected from the northwest
behind the departing wave Monday.

&&

.ILX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Flood Watch through late tonight for ILZ027>031-036>038-
040>057-061>063-066>068-071>073.

&&

KEY MESSAGES...25
DISCUSSION...25
AVIATION...Deubelbeiss

Hazardous weather outlook, Jun 21, 4:01 AM CST, 10 hours 21 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
501 AM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026

ILZ027>031-036>038-040>057-061>063-066>068-071>073-221015-
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-Clay-Richland-Lawrence-
501 AM CDT Sun Jun 21 2026

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

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Heavy rain will develop today, with 1.5 to 2 inches expected in most
areas and locally higher amounts over 3 inches possible by tonight.
This may produce flash flooding in urban and low lying flood prone
areas. Additionally, scattered thunderstorms could become severe
this afternoon and evening, with a risk for locally damaging wind
gusts and possibly a few tornadoes.

Several rivers are in minor to moderate flood today, and additional
rises are expected following heavy rainfall tonight. Rivers expected
to flood include portions of the Illinois, Sangamon, Wabash, Little
Wabash, and Spoon Rivers.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

Several rivers will continue in minor to moderate flood for many
days, including portions of the Illinois, Wabash, Little Wabash,
Sangamon, and Spoon Rivers.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed from around 2 to 10 PM.

Expected storm motion is toward the northeast around 50 mph.

37

The radar

The Lincoln radar (KILX), 119 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:20 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

15 tornado, 4 thunderstorm wind, 4 flash flood, 2 hail, 1 flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Tornado, Shelby

When: June 21, 2:22 PM CST to 2:24 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 3.89 mi SSW of Stewardson to 2.82 mi S of Stewardson
Rating: EF0
Path length: 1.29 mi
Path width: 150 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 39.217, -88.654

The tornado touched down in a field in far southern Shelby County and moved|northeast. It hit one farmstead and did minor tree damage and|peeled parts of the metal off a barn. The tornado continued|northeast and dissipated near the intersection of E 100 North Rd|and N 2700 East Rd.

Tornado, Clay

When: June 21, 2:30 PM CST to 2:39 PM CST
Where: Clay County, 2.02 mi SSW of Louisville to 1.07 mi SW of Hoosier
Rating: EF1
Path length: 4.27 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 38.744, -88.518

The tornado was observed 2 miles south-southwest of Louisville|just south of Grover Creek Ln. The tornado moved northeast|entering the south side of town, removing a large portion of the|roof of a business storage building and attached residence. The|tornado continued through town in a weakened state with minor|branch damage occurring. The tornado re-intensified just|northeast of town where it snapped off power poles and large|trees along Old Bible Grove Rd. The tornado moved northeast and|damaged more trees before dissipating near Nickel Ln.

Tornado, Tazewell

When: June 21, 2:35 PM CST to 2:36 PM CST
Where: Tazewell County, 2.24 mi WNW of Pekin Muni Arpt to 2.19 mi WNW of Pekin Muni Arpt
Rating: EFU
Path length: 0.19 mi
Path width: 20 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 40.489, -89.711

A video was shared of a landspout tornado south of Pekin. No damage was observed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Effingham

When: June 21, 2:40 PM CST to 2:45 PM CST
Where: Effingham County, 0.87 mi NE of Watson
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 39.030, -88.560

Tree limbs were blown down onto a home.

Tornado, Cumberland

When: June 21, 2:43 PM CST to 2:44 PM CST
Where: Cumberland County, 1.35 mi SE of Neoga to 0.98 mi E of Neoga
Rating: EF1
Path length: 0.85 mi
Path width: 75 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 39.306, -88.433

The tornado touched down about 1 mile southeast of Neoga on the|east side of I-57. It damaged a few farm outbuildings and trees|along its path, which was less than 1 mile long, lifting just|north of County Road 1000 N.

Tornado, Cumberland

When: June 21, 3:06 PM CST to 3:17 PM CST
Where: Cumberland County, 1.47 mi ESE of Bradbury to 3.63 mi NNW of Maple Pt
Rating: EF0
Path length: 5.89 mi
Path width: 150 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 39.310, -88.226

The tornado began about 1 mile southeast of Bradbury near County|Road 1350. It tracked northeast, damaging several trees and a|couple of farm outbuildings. It turned east-northeastward and|tracked just south of Cottonwood, causing more tree damage before|lifting west of Diona near the Coles County line.

Tornado, Jasper

When: June 21, 3:07 PM CST to 3:14 PM CST
Where: Jasper County, 1.51 mi WNW of Newton Flying Clb Ar to 2.65 mi E of Newton
Rating: EF2
Path length: 3.61 mi
Path width: 250 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 38.941, -88.174

The tornado touched down about 2 miles south of Newton where it|produced EF2 tree damage. It progressed to the northeast and|crossed Hwy 130 before dissipating just northeast of the|intersection of E 850 Ave and N 1325th St. The tornado caused|significant tree damage along Hwy 130 and again along N 1325 St.|It also destroyed an outbuilding along N 1100th St and tossed the|debris in several directions.

Thunderstorm Wind, Jasper

When: June 21, 3:09 PM CST to 3:14 PM CST
Where: Jasper County, 0.88 mi SW of St Marie
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.920, -88.030

Powerlines were blown down and part of a barn roof was peeled back.

Tornado, Jasper

When: June 21, 3:15 PM CST to 3:18 PM CST
Where: Jasper County, 2.89 mi N of Boos to 2.92 mi WSW of Willow Hill
Rating: EF2
Path length: 2.6 mi
Path width: 300 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 38.972, -88.116

Radar supports a new tornado developing in the area of N 1400 St|near the Embarras River where it destroyed an outbuilding and|caused tree damage. It progressed northeastward through wooded areas,|causing significant tree damage. Numerous very large trees were|snapped off and other tree tops were shredded. Corn in the fields|was flattened into the ground, with a suction vortex evident|down the central path. The tornado continued across the Embarras|River crossing 900th Ave, causing more tree damage before|dissipating near N 1600th St.

Thunderstorm Wind, Crawford

When: June 21, 3:32 PM CST to 3:37 PM CST
Where: Crawford County, 2.14 mi NNE of Oblong
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.030, -87.910

Several powerlines were blown down along 1250 N, between 200 E and 300 E.

Tornado, Crawford

When: June 21, 3:36 PM CST to 3:49 PM CST
Where: Crawford County, 3.53 mi SW of Annapolis to 3.84 mi WSW of West York
Rating: EF1
Path length: 6.62 mi
Path width: 600 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 39.108, -87.858

The tornado began 3 miles southwest of Annapolis and tracked east-northeast toward N 825th St. It continued northeast from there, ending about 4 miles east of Annapolis north of E 2000th Ave. Damage along the path was mostly to trees and electrical transmission lines.

Tornado, Crawford

When: June 21, 3:41 PM CST to 3:44 PM CST
Where: Crawford County, 1.21 mi N of Eaton to 2.63 mi NE of Eaton
Rating: EF1
Path length: 2 mi
Path width: 600 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 39.097, -87.802

The tornado touched down about 3 miles SSE of Annapolis and|progressed northeast for 2 miles. During its lifespan it produced|primarily tree damage, along with some minor roof damage to a|garage. The tornado reached peak intensity near E 1700th Ave and|N 825th St where large trees were uprooted. The remainder of the|damage was minor tree damage.

Flash Flood, Effingham

When: June 21, 3:45 PM CST to 6:45 PM CST
Where: Effingham County, 3.64 mi NNW of Winterrowd to 3.87 mi N of Winterrowd
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.981, -88.386

East 700th Avenue and East 500th Avenue east of North 2300th Street were closed due to water flowing across the roadway.

Flood, Coles

When: June 21, 4:01 PM CST to 7:01 PM CST
Where: Coles County, 0.69 mi N of Trilla to 0.72 mi NNW of Trilla
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.380, -88.350

Six inches of water was flowing across Co Rd 650 E near Clear Creek.

Hail, Crawford

When: June 21, 4:24 PM CST to 4:29 PM CST
Where: Crawford County, 1.75 mi SW of Flat Rock
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.880, -87.690

Tornado, Lawrence

When: June 21, 4:25 PM CST to 4:31 PM CST
Where: Lawrence County, 1.53 mi ENE of Westport to 1.58 mi NNW of Birds
Rating: EF1
Path length: 2.65 mi
Path width: 300 yd
Continued into: Crawford, Il (ILX)
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 38.840, -87.725

A tornado touched down about 3 miles west of Birds at 5:25PM CDT. It tracked northeastward, causing primarily tree damage across rural northern Lawrence County before crossing into southern Crawford County between Highway 1 and Brushy Creek at 5:31PM CDT.

Tornado, Crawford

When: June 21, 4:31 PM CST to 4:35 PM CST
Where: Crawford County, 2.87 mi WSW of Oil Grove to 1.41 mi W of Oil Grove
Rating: EF1
Path length: 1.6 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 38.852, -87.678

This tornado crossed from northern Lawrence County into southern Crawford County between Highway 1 and Brushy Creek at 5:31PM CDT. It continued to cause sporadic tree damage before dissipating east of the intersection of East 100th Avenue and North 1550th Street at 5:35PM CDT.

Tornado, Richland

When: June 21, 4:53 PM CST to 4:59 PM CST
Where: Richland County, 2.56 mi SSE of Claremont to 4.12 mi SE of Claremont
Rating: EF1
Path length: 2.11 mi
Path width: 300 yd
Continued into: Lawrence, Il (ILX)
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 38.687, -87.948

A tornado developed 3 miles southwest of Hadley at 5:53PM CDT. It damaged several trees as it tracked eastward through farmland before crossing into Lawrence County along North 780th Street at 5:59PM CDT.

Tornado, Lawrence

When: June 21, 4:59 PM CST to 5:01 PM CST
Where: Lawrence County, 4.04 mi SW of Sumner to 3.25 mi SW of Sumner
Rating: EF1
Path length: 1.08 mi
Path width: 300 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 38.684, -87.909

This tornado crossed from Richland County into Lawrence County along North 780th Street at 5:59PM CDT. It damaged a few trees before dissipating near the intersection of North 780th Street and East 100th Avenue at 6:01PM CDT.

Thunderstorm Wind, Clay

When: June 21, 5:03 PM CST to 5:08 PM CST
Where: Clay County, 2.27 mi WNW of Xenia
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 38.640, -88.670

Hail, Clay

When: June 21, 5:08 PM CST to 5:13 PM CST
Where: Clay County, Xenia
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.630, -88.630

Flash Flood, Jasper

When: June 21, 6:00 PM CST to 9:00 PM CST
Where: Jasper County, 3.06 mi SSE of Falmouth to 3.16 mi SSE of Falmouth
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 39.012, -88.121

Water was flowing across IL-33 east of Newton, prompting the closure of the roadway.

Flash Flood, Effingham

When: June 21, 6:00 PM CST to 9:00 PM CST
Where: Effingham County, 0.87 mi SE of Green Creek to 0.66 mi SSE of Green Creek
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 39.190, -88.510

US-45 north of Effingham was closed due to high water.

Tornado, Christian

When: June 21, 6:27 PM CST to 6:28 PM CST
Where: Christian County, 2.69 mi W of Edinburg to 2.63 mi W of Edinburg
Rating: EFU
Path length: 0.05 mi
Path width: 20 yd
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.650, -89.430

A trained spotter reported a brief tornado touchdown west of Edinburg. No|damage was observed.

Flash Flood, Crawford

When: June 21, 7:06 PM CST to 10:06 PM CST
Where: Crawford County, 2.77 mi WNW of Robinson to 2.69 mi E of Stoy
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 39.010, -87.780

A road was closed due to flooding.

Tornado, Shelby

When: June 21, 7:07 PM CST to 7:08 PM CST
Where: Shelby County, 1.79 mi SW of Tower Hill to 1.71 mi SW of Tower Hill
Rating: EFU
Path length: 0.11 mi
Path width: 20 yd
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.360, -88.991

A trained spotter reported a brief tornado touchdown near Tower|Hill. No damage was observed.

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.
Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.
Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.
Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Illinois in 2026 Every state in 2026 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Illinois, 2026 Warnings in Illinois, June 2026

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: 1351058, 1351059, 1351061, 1351603, 1351063, 1351066, 1351068, 1351602, 1351069, 1351604, 1351070, 1351071, 1351608, 1351609, 1351600, 1351072, 1351073, 1351074, 1351075, 1351601, 1351599, 1351606, 1351607, 1351076, 1351605, 1351077.