Chicago, IL – Two brief tornadoes touched down in southern Iroquois County on Wednesday, the National Weather Service confirmed Thursday night following a storm damage survey.
According to the NWS Chicago office, the first tornado occurred near Loda, IL, around 5 p.m. CDT on April 2, lasting two minutes. It was rated EF-1 with peak winds estimated at 100 mph, traveling 2.3 miles with a maximum width of 400 yards. The second tornado touched down near Cissna Park at 5:09 p.m., lasting one minute. It was rated EF-0, with estimated peak winds of 65 mph, a 2.2-mile path, and a width of 300 yards.
No injuries or fatalities were reported in either incident. Emergency management officials from Iroquois and Ford Counties assisted in assessing damage, which was limited to brief tornado tracks across open and rural areas.
Residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware as spring storm systems continue to pass through Illinois. Emergency kits, NOAA weather radios, and alert subscriptions are key preparedness tools. This event marks one of the season’s first confirmed tornadoes in east-central Illinois, reminding communities of the state’s severe weather potential during April.
