Washington County, Illinois tornadoes

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35 confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1953). Most recent: April 15, 2023, EFU. 2026 so far: 0 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 monthMay10 of 35
StrongestEF4Nov 17, 2013
Deaths2whole paths, see note
Injuries4whole paths, see note

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

When tornadoes hit here

By month

100 Jan: 0Feb: 3Mar: 6Apr: 5May: 10Jun: 3Jul: 1Aug: 0Sep: 3Oct: 2Nov: 2Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May is the peak month, with 10 of 35 tornadoes.

By time of day

80 12 AM: 2: 1: 23 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 2: 212 PM: 7: 1: 03 PM: 2: 2: 86 PM: 2: 0: 39 PM: 0: 1: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 5:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

50 1950: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 1: 0: 1: 21960: 1: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 4: 0: 0: 2: 02000: 0: 0: 0: 1: 5: 0: 2: 0: 0: 32010: 0: 2: 1: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02020: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 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.

By rating

EF0
10
EF1
18
EF2
5
EF4
1
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.

Notable tornadoes

Deadliest

EF4, November 17, 2013

2 deaths, 2 injuries Strongest

EF4, November 17, 2013

10.59 mile path Longest path

75.9 miles, F1

May 3, 1958, whole path Widest

250 yards, F2

March 20, 1976

All 35 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Apr 15, 2023EFU0.17 mi50 yd00
Oct 24, 2021EF02.05 mi180 yd00
Nov 17, 2013EF14.76 mi100 yd00
Nov 17, 2013EF410.59 mi200 yd22
Sep 25, 2012EF13.95 mi100 yd01
Feb 28, 2011EF22.34 mi100 yd00
Feb 28, 2011EF02.77 mi50 yd00
Mar 8, 2009EF01.42 mi40 yd00
Mar 8, 2009EF02.33 mi50 yd00
Mar 8, 2009EF24.29 mi200 yd00
Sep 22, 2006F00.1 mi20 yd00
Jul 21, 2006F07 mi100 yd00
May 30, 2004F118.5 mi75 yd00
May 30, 2004F14.5 mi70 yd00
May 30, 2004F14 mi100 yd00
May 30, 2004F13.5 mi80 yd00
May 30, 2004F14.5 mi70 yd00
Jun 10, 2003F114 mi60 yd00
Apr 15, 1998F12 mi50 yd00
Apr 15, 1998F00.2 mi30 yd00
May 18, 1995F118 mi200 yd00
May 18, 1995F07.5 mi60 yd00
May 18, 1995F06 mi70 yd00
May 18, 1995F08 mi120 yd00
Mar 20, 1976F239 mi250 yd00

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.