McHenry County, Illinois tornadoes

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30confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1958). Most recent: May 7, 2024, EF0. 2026 so far: 1 preliminary report 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 McHenry County

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The record

At a glance

Total301950 to 2025
Per year0.4average since 1950
Peak monthApril6 of 30
StrongestF4Apr 21, 1967
Deaths32whole paths, see note
Injuries637whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

60 Jan: 1Feb: 0Mar: 0Apr: 6May: 4Jun: 5Jul: 6Aug: 4Sep: 0Oct: 2Nov: 2Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

April is the peak month, with 6 of 30 tornadoes.

By time of day

70 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 0: 4: 23 PM: 7: 2: 56 PM: 5: 2: 09 PM: 1: 0: 212 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: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 11960: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 2: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 1: 0: 3: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 02000: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 12010: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 3: 0: 1: 0: 02020: 1: 1: 0: 3: 1: 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. This year so far: 1 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
12
EF1
8
EF2
5
EF3
1
EF4
3
Unknown
1

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, April 21, 1967

24 deaths, 450 injuries Strongest

F4, April 21, 1967

25.5 mile path Longest path

81 miles, F2

October 8, 1958, whole path Widest

1,200 yards, F4

April 21, 1967
Every tornado

All 30 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
May 7, 2024EF014.33 mi50 yd00
Jul 12, 2023EF03.38 mi125 yd00
Jul 12, 2023EF16.42 mi200 yd00
May 31, 2023EFU0.6 mi25 yd00
Aug 9, 2021EF10.4 mi70 yd00
Aug 10, 2020EF15.73 mi200 yd00
May 17, 2017EF110.3 mi100 yd00
Jul 18, 2015EF00.1 mi50 yd00
Jul 18, 2015EF00.1 mi50 yd00
Apr 9, 2015EF10.32 mi30 yd00
Nov 22, 2010EF15.47 mi100 yd00
Nov 22, 2010EF218.1 mi200 yd06
Jun 19, 2009EF10.74 mi75 yd00
Jan 7, 2008EF313.1 mi100 yd05
Aug 24, 2004F00.8 mi20 yd00
May 19, 1996F10.8 mi50 yd00
Jul 2, 1993F00.5 mi20 yd00
Jun 26, 1993F00.2 mi20 yd00
Jun 8, 1993F00.2 mi20 yd00
Apr 29, 1991F00.1 mi20 yd00
Jul 6, 1986F012 mi10 yd00
Aug 15, 1978F22 mi100 yd00
Jun 16, 1973F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jun 15, 1973F00.1 mi10 yd00
Apr 21, 1967F48.8 mi150 yd1100
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Jun 24, 20263 WSW HuntleyNot 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 13, 2026.