Ford County, Illinois tornadoes

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39confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1954). Most recent: December 28, 2025, EF0. 2026 so far: 5 preliminary reports preliminary

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Map

Every tornado path in the county

Tornado paths, 1950 to 2025
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(E)F0(E)F1(E)F2(E)F3(E)F4(E)F5Unrated

Each path is a straight line from where the tornado started to where it ended, which is all most NOAA records hold. Tap a path for its details.

The record

At a glance

Total391950 to 2025
Per year0.5average since 1950
Peak monthApril9 of 39
StrongestF3Apr 7, 1954
Deaths1whole paths, see note
Injuries17whole paths, see note

Deaths and injuries are NOAA's totals for each tornado's whole path, which can extend beyond Ford County.

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

90 Jan: 1Feb: 1Mar: 2Apr: 9May: 9Jun: 9Jul: 2Aug: 3Sep: 1Oct: 0Nov: 1Dec: 1JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

April is the peak month, with 9 of 39 tornadoes.

By time of day

70 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 1: 06 AM: 0: 1: 09 AM: 1: 0: 012 PM: 2: 1: 33 PM: 7: 7: 56 PM: 6: 2: 19 PM: 0: 2: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 3:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

30 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 2: 1: 2: 01960: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 2: 0: 2: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 12000: 3: 0: 0: 2: 2: 0: 2: 0: 0: 02010: 1: 1: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02020: 1: 0: 0: 2: 2: 219501960197019801990200020102020

The line is the five-year average. Tornadoes before about 1953 were under-reported, and better radar since the 1990s finds more weak ones. This year so far: 5 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
18
EF1
12
EF2
4
EF3
1
Unknown
4

Ratings before February 2007 use the original F scale; the numbers line up with today's EF scale. Unknown means NOAA could not assign a rating.

The record

Notable tornadoes

Deadliest

F3, April 7, 1954

1 deaths, 13 injuries Strongest

F3, April 7, 1954

42.6 mile path Longest path

51.5 miles, F1

March 4, 1961, whole path Widest

1,300 yards, EF1

June 13, 2024
Every tornado

All 39 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Dec 28, 2025EF00.85 mi20 yd00
May 20, 2025EFU0.65 mi100 yd00
Jul 4, 2024EFU1.3 mi30 yd00
Jun 13, 2024EF17.55 mi1,300 yd00
Feb 27, 2023EFU1.6 mi50 yd00
Jan 3, 2023EF12.9 mi25 yd00
Jun 9, 2020EFU4.36 mi75 yd00
Apr 18, 2013EF00.57 mi20 yd00
Jul 31, 2012EF00.01 mi20 yd00
May 7, 2011EF00.05 mi10 yd00
Jun 21, 2010EF00.2 mi20 yd00
Apr 16, 2006F00.5 mi40 yd00
Mar 12, 2006F02 mi30 yd00
Apr 20, 2004F05 mi20 yd00
Apr 20, 2004F00.5 mi20 yd00
May 28, 2003F01.5 mi75 yd00
May 14, 2003F01 mi50 yd00
May 18, 2000F00.5 mi50 yd00
May 18, 2000F00.5 mi50 yd00
May 18, 2000F00.5 mi50 yd00
Jun 4, 1999F00.2 mi30 yd00
May 9, 1995F15 mi40 yd00
Jun 30, 1986F04 mi123 yd00
Apr 12, 1984F10.2 mi10 yd01
Aug 24, 1982F00.8 mi33 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Jun 11, 20262 NW PaxtonNot yet rated
Jun 11, 20266 SW Gibson CityNot yet rated
May 18, 20265 WSW PaxtonNot yet rated
Apr 17, 20265 WNW LodaNot yet rated
Apr 17, 20261 W Gibson CityNot yet rated

Preliminary reports from the Storm Prediction Center. One tornado can be reported more than once, and NOAA confirms the final record months later.

Nearby

Nearby counties

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Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center severe weather database, 1950 to 2025, and SPC preliminary reports for 2026. Page built October 12, 2026.