Rockford, IL – Three tornadoes have been confirmed in Winnebago County following severe storms that moved through northern Illinois Friday afternoon and evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, survey teams identified three separate tornado events on Friday, April 17, 2026, impacting areas including Pecatonica, Harrison, and Roscoe—communities located near Rockford in the Rockford metro area.
Preliminary findings show one tornado in Pecatonica was rated EF-Unknown, while tornadoes in Harrison and Roscoe were both rated EF-1. Officials say additional details, including peak wind speeds, path lengths, and widths, will be released after further analysis is completed.
The storms were part of a broader severe weather system that impacted multiple parts of northern Illinois, bringing damaging winds and dangerous conditions during peak travel hours.
Survey crews remain active in other areas, including Ford County, where additional storm damage is still under review. More updates are expected as assessments continue.
Residents in Winnebago County and surrounding communities are encouraged to remain weather-aware as spring storm season continues across Illinois. Officials also urge residents to report storm damage to local authorities to assist in ongoing assessments.
No immediate information on injuries or total damage estimates has been released.
