Rain-Wrapped EF2 Tornado Hits Lena, Illinois, on April 17, 2026

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A high-end EF2, possibly multi-vortex tornado with estimated peak winds around 130 mph began along Highway 20, southwest of Lena, IL, and tracked through Lena before lifting just southwest of McConnell. The tornado caused significant damage to trees along its 12.5-mile path, including uprooting and snapping many of them.

When the tornado began, it immediately caused EF1-level damage to trees, then quickly intensified into an EF2, snapping numerous power poles southwest of Lena. The tornado then turned to the right into town, causing extensive roof and tree damage. Many homes sustained shingle and siding damage.

The most significant damage occurred on...