Illinois is already setting records for most tornadoes in a year with 148 tornadoes reported so far in 2026. This breaks the previous record of 142 set in 2024. The state actually leads the nation in tornadoes this year according to preliminary data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Last week’s storms left behind nearly 400 downed power lines resulting in 9,000 residents experiencing power outages. Brian Bretsch, Public and Media Relations Manager at Ameren says several line crews from throughout the Midwest have been called in to help the utility deal with the aftermath of the storms. Bretsch says, “Poles are what usually slows down a restoration effort because setting one, on average, takes about 3 or 4 hours. I can tell you we have crews from Kansas, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio, and Missouri who are helping throughout our territory with these restoration efforts.”
Ameren Illinois reminds customers if they see a downed power line, they should report it immediately at 800-755-5000 and always assume a downed line is live and highly dangerous, even if it is not sparking
A tornado was reported in Jefferson County Sunday night around 5pm and resulted in more downed power lines, residences being destroyed, multiple injuries, and some deaths. The number of deaths and the names of those victims is not available at this time.