EF2 tornado in Stephenson County, Illinois

A high-end EF2, possible multi-vortex, tornado with estimated peak winds around 130 mph started along Highway 20, southwest of Lena IL, and tracked through Lena before lifting just southwest of Orangeville. The tornado caused significant damage to trees along its path, including uprooting and snapping trees. When the tornado begun it immediately caused EF1 damage to trees, gaining strength to an EF2 tornado snapping many power poles southwest of Lena. The tornado turned to the right, into town causing a lot of roof damage and tree damage. A lot of houses had shingle and siding damage. The most significant damage occurred on Grove Street, where three houses lost their entire roof structure. Two of the homes experienced partial exterior wall collapses. Damage in this area is consistent with 130 MPH winds. In Lena, the damage footprint in Lena is approximately 1250 yards wide. As the tornado moved to the northeast, damage to farm structures was noted. Even towards the end of the path, the tornado was causing EF1 damage to trees.

Numerous severe storms tracked across eastern IA, northwest IL, and northeast MO during the afternoon and evening of April 17. Widespread wind gusts between 60-80 mph (isolated 80-100 mph), large hail up to teacup size, and several tornadoes were reported.

The most significant damage occurred in Lena, IL where many homes and outbuildings were damaged, trees uprooted, and power lines downed by an EF2 tornado. Very strong straight-line winds also were documented in parts of the area.