Two people were killed after tornadoes struck downstate Illinois Sunday, with preliminary reports showing as many as 24 tornado touchdowns and major storm damage.
The reports come as Illinois continues to lead the country number of tornadoes for 2026, with 168 and counting.
According to a press release from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, a tornado was reported to have touched down in the northeast part of the county about 5 p.m. About that time, the sheriff’s office 911 center began fielding multiple calls about damaged homes, downed trees and power lines and missing people.
As call volume continued, multiple agencies were called in to assist with search and rescue efforts, including the Mt. Vernon Police Department; illinois State Police; Mt. Vernon Fire Department; Jefferson County Fire Protection District; Waltonville Fire Department and Woodlawn Fire Department.
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By 9 pm., Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Bullard said three homes were completely destroyed, with many others suffering damage of “varying degrees.” Two people inside single-wide trailers were killed, the release said, with five others transported to nearby hospitals.
The storms also left multiple roads blocked with downed trees and some power outages.
“People who do not have emergency business in the northeast section of Jefferson County should avoid this area,” the sheriff’s office said.
Photos and video captured Sunday from Jefferson County showed huge storm clouds and powerful winds sending debris flying into the air.
Why does Illinois have so many tornadoes?
Illinois is average 118 tornadoes per year over the past five years, but the 30-year climate average is just 64. Tornadoes are trending up across the Midwest and the South and down over the central and southern Plains.
According to NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes, this is third time in the last four years Illinois has led the country in tornadoes. So far this year, the state with the second-most tornadoes is Mississippi with 83 – that’s less than half of what Illinois has seen.
Warmer air holds more moisture, and the warming climate is shifting warmer and more-humid air farther north and east than in the past. Meanwhile, hotter and drier air has been spilling out of the southwest over the central and southern plains more frequently.
Texas has had the most tornadoes in 50 of the last 60 years, but for only four of the last 10 years.
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