Photos: Tornado outbreak strikes Illinois on 1st day of December
A swarm of tornadoes rocked central Illinois on Saturday, making it one of the most violent December days in the state’s history.
Over 20 preliminary tornadoes were reported, according to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center.
“The actual number of confirmed tornadoes will be determined by storm surveys over the coming days,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Brett Rathbun said.
Map showing all of the tornado warnings (red) and severe thunderstorm warnings (yellow) that were issued Saturday evening. Severe weather reports plotted as well. #ILwx pic.twitter.com/uQtr8nVhdN
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) December 2, 2018
The tornadoes snapped trees and power lines, and shifted one house off its foundation in Macon County.
Around 10,000 customers were without power in the state on Saturday night. This number dropped to below 5,000 on Sunday morning.
A funnel cloud is spotted in Beardstown, Illinois, on Saturday. (Photo/Blake Naftel)
In Taylorville, all non-residents were urged to avoid the town due to severe storm damage and closed roads, according to the Illinois State Police.
“All residents of Taylorvillle are urged to stay in their homes and off the streets as first responders respond to multiple calls,” the state police said on Twitter.
Multiple people were reportedly trapped due to storm damage in the town, according to ABC7 Chicago.
One of my friends in Taylorville, IL sent me this photo of the tornado damage. Several people there telling me the damage is “severe” @ksdknews pic.twitter.com/guWaZOizuz
— Jenn Sullivan (@JennSullivanTV) December 2, 2018
At leat 100 buildings were destroyed across the town, according to The Herald & Review.
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner activated the State Emergency Operations Center, located in Springfield, in response to the severe storms.
“We activated the State Emergency Operations Center so that we could closely monitor the situation, keep in contact with local officials and quickly mobilize any state assets that may be needed,” the governor said in a statement. “If state assistance is needed, we are well positioned to provide it quickly and efficiently.”
There have been no immediate reports of fatalities or life-threatening injuries.
3:30p CT, persistent funnel cloud with tornado warned storm, view from Highway 67, looking N/NE south of Beardstown, #Illinois @breakingweather @accuweather @NWSLincolnIL @ReedTimmerAccu pic.twitter.com/YFoOHob3zy
— Blake Naftel (@BlakeNaftel) December 1, 2018
A potent storm system that unleashed heavy snow from Nebraska to Minnesota on Saturday was also responsible for sparking the unusually violent start to December in Illinois.
"Tornadoes can happen at any month of the year across the United States; however, they are more common to occur across the Deep South during December," Rathbun said.
"There are an average of around 24 tornadoes in the United States in December with one per year occurring in Illinois," he added.
From 1950-2017, a total of 55 tornadoes have occurred in Illinois during December, according to the National Weather Service.
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For cleanup and recovery efforts over the next few days, quieter, but much colder weather is on the way.
"Outside of a spotty rain or snow shower on Sunday, it will be mainly dry and chilly across central Illinois through the early part of this week with daytime highs in the 30s F beginning on Monday," Rathbun said. Nighttime lows will dip into the 20s.
South of Taylorville #taylorville #tornado #prayers pic.twitter.com/kpFCq9KlSq
— Sarah Marley (@SSMarley15) December 2, 2018
Rows of powerlines down on top of houses in Taylorville, IL tornado. #cILwx pic.twitter.com/0F1IJInbwd
— Kevin Lighty (@KevinLighty) December 2, 2018
The tornado hit Country Classic Cars in Staunton, IL. Staunton Fire Chief says 3 buildings were damaged. One person was inside. Thankfully, no one was injured. There were a number of cars inside that were damaged, though. More at 10PM on @ksdknews pic.twitter.com/ENrFAKLlCt
— Rachel Menitoff (@RachelMenitoff) December 2, 2018
Tornado beardstown #ilwx pic.twitter.com/bq97y2NLoI
— Devin Pitts (@DevinWxChase) December 1, 2018
Huge tornado spotted before hitting Taylorville on Saturday. Notice the satellite tornado to the right of the main funnel. Praying for everyone's safety tonight and hoping I was able to do my part. Thanks to Jeff Budd for taking this pic. pic.twitter.com/cIQoL6HnTq
— Thomas Patrick (@ThomasPatrickWx) December 2, 2018
House missing garage on County 9 Highway, across from Native Trails Winery, in Lewistown. #cilwx #ILWX @NWSLincolnIL pic.twitter.com/NFDUxlB40W
— Lauren Rainson (@LaurenRainson) December 2, 2018
Beardstown IL now, 325 PM CT @NWSLincolnIL pic.twitter.com/hsWuIUd0X9
— Andrew Pritchard (@skydrama) December 1, 2018