Illinois — Twisted trees, scattered debris, and damaged rooftops mark the path of a confirmed EF-2 tornado that tore through Lena, leaving travel hazards and cleanup underway across Stephenson County this morning.
According to the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities, the tornado struck between 3:32 and 3:55 p.m. Friday, packing estimated peak winds of 130 mph and carving an 8.5-mile path through and just southwest of Lena. The storm reached a maximum width of 750 yards and caused significant structural and tree damage, though no injuries were reported.
Damage is most concentrated along U.S. Highway 20 and Grove Street in Lena, where multiple homes lost entire roof sections and exterior walls partially collapsed. Power poles were snapped southwest of town, and scattered debris continues to affect local roads. Drivers should slow down and watch for crews working near roadways.
Additional tornadoes were confirmed farther south. An EF-1 tornado near Denver in Hancock County produced winds near 110 mph, damaging over 50 utility poles and snapping trees along its 5.7-mile path. Another EF-1 tracked just north of Colmar, with 105 mph winds damaging outbuildings and downing power lines across Hancock and McDonough counties.
Conditions have turned calmer, but colder air now settles in. Morning temperatures in the 30s may dip near freezing again, raising concerns for slick spots where water remains on pavement. Use caution early and late in the day.
A warming trend builds into Tuesday and Wednesday, with highs climbing into the 70s, helping cleanup efforts. Isolated showers return late week, but no immediate severe weather threat is expected.
Next updates are expected as additional storm surveys continue across western Illinois.
