Shelby County, Illinois tornadoes

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35 confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1955). Most recent: March 14, 2025, EF1. 2026 so far: 3 preliminary reports preliminary

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Every tornado path in the county

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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.

At a glance

Total351950 to 2025
Per year0.5average since 1950
Peak monthJune8 of 35
StrongestF3Aug 21, 1977
Deaths6whole paths, see note
Injuries66whole paths, see note

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

When tornadoes hit here

By month

80 Jan: 1Feb: 2Mar: 4Apr: 5May: 6Jun: 8Jul: 2Aug: 3Sep: 0Oct: 2Nov: 0Dec: 2JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

June is the peak month, with 8 of 35 tornadoes.

By time of day

40 12 AM: 1: 1: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 1: 0: 19 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 1: 2: 43 PM: 4: 4: 36 PM: 2: 4: 29 PM: 1: 2: 212 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 2:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

30 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 11960: 0: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 11970: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 1: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 01990: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 2: 0: 0: 3: 12000: 1: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 1: 22010: 0: 2: 0: 0: 3: 0: 0: 0: 0: 12020: 0: 2: 0: 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: 3 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
18
EF1
9
EF2
7
EF3
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.

Notable tornadoes

Deadliest

F3, August 21, 1977

6 deaths, 56 injuries Strongest

F3, August 21, 1977

26.9 mile path Longest path

117.9 miles, F1

March 6, 1961, whole path Widest

690 yards, EF2

December 10, 2021

All 35 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Mar 14, 2025EF12.33 mi100 yd00
Mar 14, 2025EF15.1 mi75 yd00
Dec 10, 2021EF215.86 mi200 yd00
Dec 10, 2021EF241.54 mi690 yd01
Aug 12, 2019EF01.91 mi75 yd00
Oct 13, 2014EF210 mi200 yd00
Feb 20, 2014EF00.28 mi50 yd00
Feb 20, 2014EF222.38 mi200 yd01
Jun 15, 2011EF00.27 mi20 yd00
Jun 15, 2011EF00.3 mi10 yd00
May 13, 2009EF01.39 mi50 yd00
May 13, 2009EF00.57 mi40 yd00
May 30, 2008EF01.14 mi30 yd00
Apr 2, 2006F16 mi150 yd00
Jan 2, 2006F10.1 mi35 yd00
May 1, 2002F00.1 mi20 yd00
Jul 8, 2001F00.1 mi20 yd00
Jun 20, 2000F124 mi300 yd01
Jun 1, 1999F215.5 mi450 yd04
Apr 30, 1998F00.2 mi30 yd00
Apr 7, 1998F00.1 mi30 yd00
Apr 7, 1998F00.1 mi30 yd00
May 9, 1995F01 mi220 yd00
May 9, 1995F10.1 mi10 yd00
Jun 4, 1993F03 mi50 yd00

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Jun 21, 20263 SW Tower HillNot yet rated
Jun 21, 20264 NNW ShumwayNot yet rated
Jun 17, 20264 WSW BethanyNot 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 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.