Winnebago County, Illinois tornadoes

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24confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1958). Most recent: July 15, 2024, EF0. 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.

Recent warnings

Recent warnings in Winnebago County

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The record

At a glance

Total241950 to 2025
Per year0.3average since 1950
Peak monthMay5 of 24
StrongestF2Oct 8, 1958
Deaths2whole paths, see note
Injuries46whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

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

May is the peak month, with 5 of 24 tornadoes.

By time of day

70 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 1: 3: 03 PM: 1: 0: 76 PM: 5: 5: 19 PM: 0: 0: 112 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

30 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 11980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 01990: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 02000: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02010: 1: 3: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 2: 0: 02020: 2: 0: 0: 3: 2: 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
11
EF2
4

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

600 yards, EF1

March 31, 2023
Every tornado

All 24 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Jul 15, 2024EF00.2 mi25 yd00
Jul 15, 2024EF01.2 mi100 yd00
Mar 31, 2023EF18.63 mi300 yd00
Mar 31, 2023EF15.79 mi300 yd00
Mar 31, 2023EF127.51 mi600 yd140
Aug 10, 2020EF19.18 mi300 yd00
Aug 10, 2020EF01.58 mi50 yd00
Jun 28, 2017EF11.64 mi100 yd00
Jun 28, 2017EF15.9 mi200 yd00
Apr 9, 2015EF02.84 mi25 yd00
May 22, 2011EF10.9 mi50 yd00
May 22, 2011EF12.73 mi50 yd00
May 22, 2011EF129.14 mi200 yd00
Nov 22, 2010EF218.1 mi200 yd06
May 30, 2003F04 mi100 yd00
May 30, 2003F00.3 mi100 yd00
Jun 25, 1998F00.5 mi30 yd00
Apr 29, 1991F00.1 mi100 yd00
Aug 28, 1990F13 mi103 yd00
Sep 28, 1986F00.2 mi10 yd00
Aug 17, 1979F20.5 mi50 yd00
Jun 11, 1967F10.1 mi10 yd00
Oct 8, 1958F281 mi10 yd10
Aug 30, 1958F20.1 mi10 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Apr 17, 20262 ESE RoscoeNot yet rated
Apr 17, 20263 SE ShirlandNot yet rated
Apr 17, 20263 ESE ShirlandNot yet rated
Apr 17, 20264 S ShirlandNot yet rated
Apr 17, 20263 N PecatonicaNot 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.

Cities

Cities in Winnebago County

Each city page counts every tornado path within 10 miles of the city, including paths just over the county line.

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 13, 2026.