Putnam County, Illinois tornadoes

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12confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1965). Most recent: February 8, 2024, EF1. 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.

The record

At a glance

Total121950 to 2025
Per year0.2average since 1950
Peak monthApril3 of 12
StrongestF3Apr 20, 2004
Deaths8whole paths, see note
Injuries13whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

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

April is the peak month, with 3 of 12 tornadoes.

By time of day

50 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 0: 0: 03 PM: 3: 5: 06 PM: 0: 3: 19 PM: 0: 0: 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

20 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 12000: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02010: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 02020: 0: 1: 0: 0: 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
4
EF1
1
EF2
4
EF3
2
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

F3, April 20, 2004

8 deaths, 12 injuries Strongest

F3, April 20, 2004

15.8 mile path Longest path

81.5 miles, F3

July 17, 1972, whole path Widest

880 yards, F3

April 20, 2004
Every tornado

All 12 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Feb 8, 2024EF110.03 mi100 yd00
Oct 11, 2021EFU0.02 mi10 yd00
Jul 17, 2016EF00.24 mi25 yd00
Jul 17, 2016EF01.19 mi25 yd00
Jun 5, 2010EF28 mi880 yd00
Apr 20, 2004F315.8 mi880 yd812
Jun 4, 1999F00.1 mi10 yd00
Apr 13, 1981F00.1 mi10 yd00
Sep 12, 1974F20.3 mi600 yd00
Jul 17, 1972F381.5 mi200 yd00
Apr 21, 1967F20.3 mi30 yd01
Nov 12, 1965F28.7 mi50 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Aug 21, 20261 S DepueNot 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.