Chicago, IL – A decade has passed since a powerful tornado outbreak struck northern Illinois, producing 12 tornadoes and leaving a lasting mark on communities across the region.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago, the evening of June 22, 2015, saw a long-lived supercell thunderstorm generate a dozen tornadoes across multiple counties including Whiteside, Lee, LaSalle, Grundy, Will, and Kankakee. The most destructive was an EF-3 tornado that swept through Coal City and Braidwood, damaging or destroying dozens of homes and injuring seven people.
The tornado that hit Coal City began at 9:45 p.m. CDT and traveled over 16 miles before ending near Braidwood just after 10 p.m. With peak winds reaching 160 mph, the storm tore apart homes, uprooted trees, and downed numerous utility poles. It was noted as the strongest tornado to strike Grundy County since July 1972.
In addition, an EF-2 tornado damaged the Woodhaven Lakes area near Sublette, and several EF-1 tornadoes caused significant wind and tree damage throughout the region. Despite the scope of destruction, no fatalities were reported, though a total of 14 injuries were recorded.
The severe weather was fueled by warm, humid conditions and a strong jet stream aloft. Flash flooding also occurred as the storms dumped 3 to 5 inches of rain on already saturated ground.
As Illinois residents mark this 10-year milestone, meteorologists continue to emphasize preparedness and awareness during severe weather season. The storm’s legacy remains a sobering reminder of how quickly conditions can turn dangerous across the Midwest.
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