ILLINOIS, (WAND) - The National Weather Service has confirmed at least 24 tornadoes in preliminary reports following severe storms that moved through central Illinois Friday.
According to the NWS, a supercell storm developed ahead of the main line during the afternoon, tracking north across west-central Illinois. That storm produced damaging winds and hail up to two inches in diameter. Officials say the wind-driven hail caused significant damage, including broken windows and siding damage to several homes along its path.
By Friday evening, a powerful squall line formed over west-central Illinois, bringing widespread straight-line wind damage along with embedded tornadoes. At least seven tornadoes have been reported across Fulton County, Mason County, Tazewell County, Logan County, McLean County and Champaign County.
The most significant structural damage has been reported in and around Bloomington-Normal.
The National Weather Service office in Lincoln sent multiple survey teams into affected areas Saturday to assess the extent of the damage and determine final tornado counts and ratings.
Officials emphasize that all numbers remain preliminary and could change as surveys continue in the coming days. Residents are encouraged to report damage and remain cautious as cleanup efforts begin.
See the full preliminary report here.Â
Copyright 2026. WANDTV. All Rights Reserved.
