Mason County, Illinois tornadoes

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41confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1951). Most recent: September 20, 2025, EF0. 2026 so far: 7 preliminary reports preliminary

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Recent warnings in Mason County

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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

Total411950 to 2025
Per year0.5average since 1950
Peak monthApril9 of 41
StrongestF3Jan 24, 1967
Deaths1whole paths, see note
Injuries60whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

90 Jan: 2Feb: 0Mar: 4Apr: 9May: 6Jun: 5Jul: 2Aug: 3Sep: 2Oct: 0Nov: 4Dec: 4JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

April is the peak month, with 9 of 41 tornadoes.

By time of day

80 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 1: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 1: 0: 112 PM: 1: 2: 43 PM: 6: 5: 86 PM: 4: 0: 39 PM: 2: 2: 112 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 5:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

40 1950: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 01960: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 2: 1: 01970: 0: 0: 1: 1: 2: 1: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 01990: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 2: 0: 4: 12000: 0: 1: 0: 4: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 12010: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 2: 02020: 0: 1: 2: 0: 0: 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: 7 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
16
EF1
15
EF2
7
EF3
3

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, January 24, 1967

1 deaths, 3 injuries Strongest

F3, January 24, 1967

5.1 mile path Longest path

47.4 miles, F2

November 13, 1951, whole path Widest

880 yards, F3

May 13, 1995
Every tornado

All 41 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Sep 20, 2025EF02.36 mi40 yd00
Jun 18, 2025EF00.08 mi100 yd00
Aug 1, 2022EF00.41 mi60 yd00
Mar 5, 2022EF06.93 mi50 yd00
Mar 23, 2021EF02.1 mi30 yd00
Dec 1, 2018EF111.68 mi250 yd00
Dec 1, 2018EF01.67 mi25 yd00
Mar 6, 2017EF16.76 mi150 yd00
Sep 10, 2015EF00.21 mi75 yd00
Apr 15, 2011EF13.08 mi100 yd01
Jul 8, 2009EF00.1 mi10 yd00
May 30, 2003F114 mi100 yd00
May 10, 2003F12 mi100 yd00
May 10, 2003F22.5 mi100 yd01
May 10, 2003F18 mi150 yd00
Aug 18, 2001F00.1 mi25 yd00
Jun 1, 1999F13.8 min/a00
Apr 7, 1998F211 mi30 yd00
Apr 7, 1998F00.1 mi30 yd00
Apr 7, 1998F10.3 mi180 yd00
Apr 7, 1998F23 mi70 yd00
Apr 19, 1996F19 mi250 yd00
Apr 19, 1996F29 mi250 yd01
May 13, 1995F325 mi880 yd025
Nov 27, 1990F10.5 mi50 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Apr 17, 20265 ENE EastonNot yet rated
Apr 17, 20261 NNW Forest CityNot yet rated
Apr 17, 2026BathNot yet rated
Mar 10, 20261 SSE Forest CityNot yet rated
Mar 10, 20261 WNW TopekaNot yet rated
Mar 10, 20261 E HavanaNot yet rated
Mar 10, 20261 WNW TopekaNot 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.