Stephenson County, Illinois tornadoes

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21confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1958). Most recent: July 15, 2024, EFU. 2026 so far: 2 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.

The record

At a glance

Total211950 to 2025
Per year0.3average since 1950
Peak monthJune7 of 21
StrongestF2Oct 8, 1958
Deaths1whole paths, see note
Injuries0whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

70 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 2Apr: 1May: 3Jun: 7Jul: 3Aug: 4Sep: 0Oct: 1Nov: 0Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

June is the peak month, with 7 of 21 tornadoes.

By time of day

50 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 112 PM: 0: 2: 53 PM: 3: 0: 46 PM: 3: 2: 09 PM: 0: 0: 112 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: 0: 0: 0: 1: 11960: 0: 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: 01990: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 3: 22000: 0: 0: 0: 3: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 12010: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 02020: 1: 0: 1: 1: 3: 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: 2 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
11
EF1
6
EF2
2
Unknown
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

F2, October 8, 1958

1 deaths, 0 injuries Strongest

F2, October 8, 1958

81 mile path Longest path

81 miles, F2

October 8, 1958, whole path Widest

200 yards, EF0

June 1, 2009
Every tornado

All 21 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Jul 15, 2024EFU1.01 mi10 yd00
Jul 15, 2024EF215.41 mi150 yd00
Mar 4, 2024EFU0.1 mi30 yd00
Mar 31, 2023EF111.01 mi200 yd00
May 25, 2022EF11.83 mi30 yd00
Aug 10, 2020EF04.59 mi50 yd00
Aug 16, 2017EF03.25 mi20 yd00
Aug 16, 2017EF12.79 mi75 yd00
Jul 12, 2010EF00.07 mi25 yd00
Jun 1, 2009EF00.33 mi200 yd00
Jun 14, 2003F0n/a50 yd00
Jun 14, 2003F00.5 mi50 yd00
Jun 14, 2003F0n/a50 yd00
Jun 6, 1999F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jun 1, 1999F00.1 mi10 yd00
Aug 24, 1998F10.5 mi50 yd00
May 28, 1998F00.1 mi30 yd00
May 28, 1998F00.1 mi30 yd00
Jun 1, 1971F10.1 mi10 yd00
Apr 17, 1959F12 mi10 yd00
Oct 8, 1958F281 mi10 yd10
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Apr 17, 20263 NNE KentNot yet rated
Apr 14, 20262 NW Pearl CityNot 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.