A powerful line of storms moved through central and southern Illinois Sunday afternoon and evening, producing multiple tornadoes, widespread wind damage, and gusts topping 50 miles per hour.
The National Weather Service received several tornado reports between about 2 and 3:30 Sunday afternoon, including near Blue Mound, Elwin, Long Creek, and multiple locations around Mount Zion, where more than one tornado report was logged within minutes of each other.
In addition to the tornadoes, thunderstorm wind damage was reported across a wide area, including Decatur, Mount Zion, La Place, Arthur, Owaneco, Golden Gate, Albion, and Mount Vernon, with reports of downed trees and structural damage.
Outside of thunderstorms, strong gradient winds were also an issue, with measured gusts of 55 miles per hour at Capital Airport in Springfield, 54 miles per hour near Decatur Airport, and gusts near or above 50 miles per hour reported in Jacksonville and parts of Missouri.
The National Weather Service is continuing to review damage reports to determine tornado strength and track information. Residents are encouraged to remain weather-aware and to report storm damage to local officials.
