Union County, Illinois tornadoes

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25confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1955). Most recent: May 20, 2025, EF1. 2026 so far: 0 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

Total251950 to 2025
Per year0.3average since 1950
Peak monthApril7 of 25
StrongestF3Apr 28, 2002
Deaths1whole paths, see note
Injuries24whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

70 Jan: 4Feb: 2Mar: 2Apr: 7May: 6Jun: 1Jul: 0Aug: 1Sep: 0Oct: 1Nov: 1Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

April is the peak month, with 7 of 25 tornadoes.

By time of day

70 12 AM: 2: 0: 23 AM: 2: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 1: 012 PM: 0: 0: 03 PM: 1: 2: 16 PM: 7: 5: 19 PM: 1: 0: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 6:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

30 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 1: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 11970: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 22000: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 1: 02010: 0: 1: 1: 0: 3: 0: 0: 0: 2: 02020: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 319501960197019801990200020102020

The line is the five-year average. Tornadoes before about 1953 were under-reported, and better radar since the 1990s finds more weak ones.

By rating

EF0
9
EF1
8
EF2
6
EF3
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

F3, April 28, 2002

1 deaths, 10 injuries Strongest

F3, April 28, 2002

19.3 mile path Longest path

31.87 miles, EF2

February 29, 2012, whole path Widest

400 yards, F3

April 28, 2002
Every tornado

All 25 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
May 20, 2025EF11.8 mi50 yd00
Apr 2, 2025EF01.11 mi25 yd00
Apr 2, 2025EF110.01 mi50 yd00
May 26, 2024EF16.94 mi100 yd00
Jan 11, 2020EF10.86 mi50 yd00
May 31, 2018EF01.12 mi50 yd00
May 31, 2018EF13.11 mi150 yd00
Apr 3, 2014EF03.18 mi75 yd00
Apr 3, 2014EF05.03 mi85 yd00
Apr 3, 2014EF00.27 mi50 yd00
Feb 29, 2012EF231.87 mi300 yd01
May 25, 2011EF12 mi125 yd00
Jan 29, 2008EF14.26 mi200 yd00
Mar 1, 2007EF01.8 mi150 yd00
Oct 18, 2004F28.8 mi250 yd03
Apr 28, 2002F319.3 mi400 yd110
Jan 21, 1999F00.3 mi30 yd00
Jan 21, 1999F28 mi300 yd00
Feb 16, 1976F21 mi10 yd01
Jun 2, 1973F00.1 mi10 yd00
Apr 14, 1972F230.9 mi30 yd09
Aug 9, 1969F00.1 mi10 yd00
May 21, 1957F38.5 mi200 yd00
Nov 16, 1955F24.5 mi150 yd00
Mar 4, 1955F10.5 mi50 yd00
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.