4 Chicagoland Tornadoes Confirmed From Monday’s Storms
Different things happened to different areas of Northern Illinois on Monday of this week. While Rockford barely saw more than a few raindrops Monday evening, it was a much different story across parts of the Chicago area.
The National Weather Service has now confirmed that four tornadoes touched down as powerful thunderstorms swept through the suburbs, damaging homes, businesses, trees, and power lines. Survey teams found tornado damage in portions of Cook, DuPage, and Will counties, with two twisters receiving EF-1 ratings, and two with EF-0 ratings, packing estimated winds between 65 and 110 mph.
Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, although plenty of cleanup remains.
Monday's Storms Are Yet Another Part Of Illinois' Record-Breaking Tornado Season
Our state actually shattered its all-time tornado record weeks ago.
The previous record of 142 confirmed tornadoes, set in 2024, has already been left behind. As Illinois prepares to enter August, meteorologists say the statewide total has climbed to over 200 confirmed tornadoes, and that's before the traditionally active late-summer and fall severe weather seasons arrive.
For perspective, Illinois averages about 54 tornadoes in an entire year.
This year has produced more than three times that number, fueled by repeated rounds of severe weather stretching from March through July. Even though scientists say one active season doesn't necessarily signal a permanent trend, the last several years have certainly kept Illinois' storm spotters and National Weather Service survey crews busy.
With August just around the corner, and peak tornado season still capable of producing dangerous storms, Illinois residents may want to keep those weather apps handy. If 2026 has taught us anything, it's that this record-breaking tornado season isn't finished with us yet.
By the way, Wisconsin is having a pretty rough tornado season, too:
