Wayne County, Illinois tornadoes

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30confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1957). Most recent: March 14, 2024, EF1. 2026 so far: 5 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

Total301950 to 2025
Per year0.4average since 1950
Peak monthMarch7 of 30
StrongestF4Jun 2, 1990
Deaths2whole paths, see note
Injuries67whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

70 Jan: 1Feb: 0Mar: 7Apr: 5May: 3Jun: 5Jul: 3Aug: 0Sep: 1Oct: 1Nov: 2Dec: 2JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

March is the peak month, with 7 of 30 tornadoes.

By time of day

50 12 AM: 0: 0: 13 AM: 1: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 312 PM: 2: 2: 13 PM: 1: 5: 46 PM: 1: 5: 29 PM: 0: 1: 112 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

40 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 01960: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 41990: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 02000: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 32010: 0: 1: 0: 3: 2: 1: 0: 0: 0: 02020: 0: 1: 1: 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: 5 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
9
EF1
8
EF2
8
EF3
3
EF4
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

F4, June 2, 1990

1 deaths, 12 injuries Strongest

F4, June 2, 1990

106 mile path Longest path

112.1 miles, F2

March 6, 1961, whole path Widest

800 yards, F2

October 16, 1989
Every tornado

All 30 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Mar 14, 2024EF12.8 mi75 yd00
Mar 30, 2022EF00.3 mi50 yd00
May 6, 2021EF00.52 mi30 yd00
Dec 23, 2015EF14.28 mi100 yd00
Jun 23, 2014EF01.8 mi150 yd00
Jun 23, 2014EF02.89 mi200 yd00
Nov 17, 2013EF27.86 mi300 yd00
Nov 17, 2013EF29.48 mi150 yd00
Jul 2, 2013EF00.67 mi50 yd00
Apr 19, 2011EF210.57 mi150 yd02
Mar 8, 2009EF25.64 mi100 yd00
Mar 8, 2009EF114.44 mi50 yd01
Mar 8, 2009EF04.24 mi100 yd00
Mar 11, 2006F11 mi600 yd00
Apr 21, 2002F331.5 mi500 yd142
Jun 22, 1998F00.5 mi40 yd00
Apr 19, 1996F317 mi400 yd00
Jun 2, 1990F4106 mi300 yd112
Jun 2, 1990F423 mi300 yd02
Oct 16, 1989F22 mi800 yd00
Jul 24, 1989F00.1 mi10 yd00
Apr 3, 1989F10.2 mi50 yd00
Jan 7, 1989F227 mi100 yd06
Sep 9, 1985F00.1 mi100 yd00
May 1, 1983F10.2 mi30 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Jun 21, 20264 NNE Belle Prairie CitNot yet rated
Jun 21, 20262 S Wayne CityNot yet rated
Jun 21, 20265 SSW Mount ErieNot yet rated
Jun 21, 20262 E JeffersonvilleNot yet rated
Jun 21, 20264 NNE SimsNot 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.