Thunderstorm Wind — Saline, Illinois

2009-05-08 · near Newhope, Saline, Illinois

Event narrative

Widespread wind damage occurred across the county. The pockets of greatest damage were in northern parts of the county including Galatia and Raleigh, as well as southwestern parts around Carrier Mills. Harrisburg itself escaped the worst of the damage, and power outages there only affected several hundred customers. Winds were estimated near 90 mph in the Harco area. Extensive power outages lasted three to six days in the hardest hit areas, including Galatia. The power losses rendered pumping stations that supply water inoperable. Many structures were damaged. Every street in Galatia had trees down across streets, houses, vehicles, or outbuildings. Two homes in Galatia received major damage. Barns were destroyed in the Harco area. A mobile home used as a school for the Amish blew off its foundation. Some roofs were blown off. Other structures were damaged by falling trees. A semi was blown over north of Harrisburg on Illinois 34. Emergency responders had difficulty reaching the scene due to downed trees. Many roads were closed by downed trees and power lines, including major routes such as Illinois 34 and U.S. Highway 45. A state disaster declaration included Saline County.

Wider weather episode

A mature, very intense derecho moved rapidly east along a stationary front across the Mid Mississippi Valley into the Lower Ohio Valley. With a very moist and unstable atmosphere, along with strongly veering winds aloft, embedded tornadic supercells were associated with the derecho. Widespread damaging winds were the primary impact. Nearly all the damage in southern Illinois was associated with the comma head at the northern end of the bow echo. Winds were measured slightly over 100 mph under the comma head as it passed through the Carbondale area. In addition to damaging winds, the slow-moving storm complex dumped very heavy rain that flooded roads.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (37.7300, -88.7489)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 163064. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.