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NWS: As many as 7 tornadoes in Central Illinois Friday night

NWS:  As many as 7 tornadoes in Central Illinois Friday night

The National Weather Service will be surveying storm damage from Friday's weather outbreak in Central Illinois. Photo: Contributed/National Weather Service, Lincoln, IL


Lincoln, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The National Weather Service in Lincoln will continue surveying storm damage from Friday night’s round of severe weather and tornadoes on Sunday.  But, surveying done on Saturday reveals plenty of damage in one part of Central Illinois.

While there were no tornado warnings and no major damage to speak of in Springfield or Sangamon County, storm survey reports indicate as many as seven tornadoes in the area, most in the Bloomington-Normal area.

All tornadoes, the Weather Service says, were EF-1 in nature.

Damage to sheds, barns, and outbuildings were reported throughout McLean County, along with downed trees and power lines.  One tornado east of Pleasant Hill had peak wind gusts of 90 miles per hour.  Of the tornadoes reported, the NWS says a tornado reported near Downs stayed on the ground for nearly 34 miles.

Media reports indicate damage being done to the Rivian electric vehicle plant in Normal.

More storm assessments in places other than McLean County are expected to continue Sunday, the NWS said.

The National Weather Service Lincoln, IL preliminary list of tornadoes in Central Illinois Friday night.
The National Weather Service Lincoln, IL preliminary list of tornadoes in Central Illinois Friday night.

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