Vandalia, Illinois – Two tornadoes touched down in Fayette County Monday evening, damaging homes and farmland as winds topped 110 mph in one of the strongest storms of the season.
According to the National Weather Service in St. Louis, the first tornado hit near Pope Township around 6:30 p.m. CDT on April 30. It was rated EF-0 with maximum winds of 80 mph, stretching five miles with a damage path 50 yards wide. A second, more powerful EF-2 tornado formed east of Shobonier just 18 minutes later. That twister produced peak winds of 114 mph and cut a 4.3-mile path through rural areas, reaching 150 yards in width.
While no fatalities or injuries were reported, damage included uprooted trees, destroyed outbuildings, and roof loss on several homes, particularly near County Road 500E and Highway 51 south of Shobonier. Emergency crews responded quickly to assess damage and secure the area.
Residents are urged to review severe weather plans as May typically brings more tornadic activity to central Illinois. Weather officials say no additional storms are forecast through midweek, but warn conditions can change quickly this time of year.
