Franklin County, Illinois tornadoes

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20confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1957). Most recent: March 30, 2022, EF0. 2026 so far: 0 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.

Recent warnings

Recent warnings in Franklin County

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The record

At a glance

Total201950 to 2025
Per year0.3average since 1950
Peak monthApril6 of 20
StrongestF4Dec 18, 1957
Deaths13whole paths, see note
Injuries245whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

60 Jan: 2Feb: 2Mar: 1Apr: 6May: 4Jun: 2Jul: 0Aug: 0Sep: 0Oct: 0Nov: 1Dec: 2JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

April is the peak month, with 6 of 20 tornadoes.

By time of day

50 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 1: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 2: 1: 03 PM: 2: 5: 16 PM: 0: 5: 09 PM: 2: 1: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 4:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

30 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 01960: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 11990: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 02000: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 32010: 0: 2: 0: 1: 0: 1: 1: 1: 0: 02020: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 019501960197019801990200020102020

The line is the five-year average. Tornadoes before about 1953 were under-reported, and better radar since the 1990s finds more weak ones.

By rating

EF0
7
EF1
8
EF2
1
EF3
2
EF4
2

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

F4, December 18, 1957

11 deaths, 200 injuries Strongest

F4, December 18, 1957

28.3 mile path Longest path

53.47 miles, EF4

February 28, 2017, whole path Widest

1,100 yards, EF4

February 28, 2017
Every tornado

All 20 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Mar 30, 2022EF04.05 mi100 yd00
Dec 5, 2021EF13.88 mi175 yd00
Feb 28, 2017EF453.47 mi1,100 yd112
May 11, 2016EF00.05 mi30 yd00
Jun 19, 2015EF10.92 mi150 yd00
Jan 29, 2013EF00.58 mi75 yd00
Apr 19, 2011EF10.15 mi50 yd00
Apr 19, 2011EF10.3 mi50 yd00
Jun 8, 2009EF14.82 mi300 yd00
May 8, 2009EF15.51 mi150 yd00
May 8, 2009EF00.29 mi40 yd00
May 25, 2004F00.5 mi50 yd00
Nov 10, 2002F00.5 mi50 yd00
Apr 19, 1996F12.5 mi100 yd00
Apr 27, 1994F11 mi23 yd01
Jan 7, 1989F00.5 mi20 yd00
Apr 27, 1971F34.5 mi200 yd120
Feb 9, 1960F224 mi77 yd01
Apr 5, 1958F320.6 mi100 yd011
Dec 18, 1957F428.3 mi300 yd11200
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 13, 2026.