A large and destructive tornado touched down in Kankakee County, Illinois, Tuesday night, leaving a path of devastation in its wake. The storm’s signature on weather radar resembled a “bowling ball,” and the resulting damage is consistent with a powerful event.
Damage Assessment
Multiple building collapses were reported, with homes losing roofs and upper floors. Trees were uprooted or snapped in half, some breaking 20 to 30 feet off the ground. While the National Weather Service is still conducting surveys, initial assessments suggest the tornado may have reached EF-2 or EF-3 strength, with winds up to 160 miles per hour.
Storm chaser Freddie Bryant, who tracked the storm from Pontiac, Illinois, described a “multiple vortex tornado” that grew into a “big stovepipe” with an audible “roar.” He followed the supercell storm all the way to the Michigan and Indiana state line.
Bryant emphasized the dangers of chasing such storms, particularly at night, stating, “Nights like last night, those nights are really stressful, and hurt, and you go home wondering.”
Community Impact
Residents in Aroma Park endured a terrifying ordeal. Erin Boershig, who sheltered in her neighbor’s basement with her 7-month-old son, recounted hearing glass shattering and prioritizing her child’s safety. Four adults, three children, and four dogs sheltered in the basement and were unharmed.
Illinois State Climatologist Dr. Trent Ford noted that large tornadoes are rare this early in the spring season. However, he added that warmer spring temperatures, linked to climate change, are making such events more likely.
Boershig stated, “We will never have a house that doesn’t have a basement or some sort of storm shelter. Not here. I can’t.”
Ongoing Assessments and Fatalities
The National Weather Service continues its surveys in Kankakee County. At least one touchdown is being assessed in Lake Village, Indiana, where an elderly couple was killed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of damage was reported in Kankakee County?
Multiple building collapses were reported, with houses losing roofs and upper floors. Trees were uprooted or snapped in half.
What did storm chasers observe?
Storm chaser Freddie Bryant described a “multiple vortex tornado” that grew into a “big stovepipe” with an audible “roar.”
Is climate change a factor in these events?
According to Illinois State Climatologist Dr. Trent Ford, warmer spring temperatures are making tornadoes like this more likely.
How will communities adapt to the increasing risk of severe weather events like this?
