Plainfield, IL – Thirty-six years ago Friday, a violent tornado tore across northern Illinois, devastating Plainfield and surrounding communities while killing 29 people and leaving hundreds injured.
According to the National Weather Service, the Aug. 28, 1990, Plainfield tornado was rated F5, the highest category on the original Fujita scale. The storm became the deadliest tornado in the United States that year and remains one of the most devastating weather disasters in Illinois history.
The tornado developed during the afternoon and carved a destructive path through portions of Kendall and Will counties, including areas near Plainfield, Crest Hill and Joliet.
At approximately 3:30 p.m., the tornado swept through the Plainfield area. The storm damaged or destroyed more than 1,000 structures, according to historical accounts, while producing extreme ground scouring along parts of its path.
Among the buildings devastated was Plainfield High School. Homes, businesses and other structures were also reduced to rubble as the tornado moved southeast through the region.
Twenty-nine people ultimately died from tornado-related injuries, and roughly 350 others were hurt. The Plainfield Tornado Memorial now honors those who lost their lives while also recognizing the thousands of volunteers who helped communities recover.
The disaster also holds a significant place in meteorological history. Despite the tornado’s extraordinary intensity, no tornado warning was issued before it struck, making the event an important case in the evolution of severe-weather forecasting and warning practices.
For longtime residents of the southwest Chicago metropolitan area, Aug. 28 remains a solemn anniversary marking lives lost, communities rebuilt and a disaster that permanently changed Plainfield.
