Sterling, IL – Cleanup continues across northern Illinois after a confirmed outbreak of 12 tornadoes and large hail caused damage during evening storms on Thursday, April 2.
According to the National Weather Service Quad Cities office, five tornadoes were confirmed within their coverage area alone, with two EF1 tornadoes striking northwest Illinois. The strongest damage occurred in Sterling, where an EF1 tornado with peak winds of 90 mph tracked 4.1 miles between 6:02 p.m. and 6:07 p.m.
In Savanna, another EF1 tornado briefly touched down around 6 p.m., carving a 0.25-mile path and damaging trees and a small structure. Across the region, damage reports included destroyed outbuildings, roof damage, and widespread tree loss.
Storm surveys also confirmed large hail, including stones up to 3 inches in diameter near Carroll County, adding to the severe weather impacts across the Quad Cities and into eastern Iowa.
The storms were fueled by a single supercell that tracked across eastern Iowa into northern Illinois, producing multiple tornadoes along its path between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
While no injuries or fatalities were reported, officials say additional assessments could refine damage totals. Residents are urged to remain weather-aware as severe storm season ramps up across the Midwest.
