EF2 tornado in Putnam County, Illinois

Between approximately 810 pm and 835 pm on June 5, an EF2 tornado moved across areas from about 2.75 miles east northeast of Henry, IL, through Magnolia, IL, into western La Salle County about 3 miles east of Magnolia, IL. Wind speeds were estimated to be 135 mph. The tornado touched down at the shore of Sawmill Lake with a width of about 0.5 miles. Numerous trees were snapped off and shredded, laying in scattered directions. Extensive tree damage and some structural damage was observed toward Taylor Rd. Along County Road 150 N and Highway 18 west of Magnolia, several farm outbuildings including a large barn and steel shed were destroyed. A 400 to 450 foot tall cell phone tower was completely destroyed.

In Magnolia, IL, the tornado caused extensive tree damage across the northern two thirds of town with minor damage to numerous residences. On the north side of town, the tornado ripped the roofs completely off of four structures. The tornado weakened to an EF0 rating as it approached and crossed into La Salle County, where the NWS Chicago Storm Survey Team indicated it lifted about 1.23 miles east of the county line just south of Highway 18.

Strong to severe thunderstorms developed along a line extending from northeast Iowa into north central Missouri June 5th. Some tornadoes were spawned as the line moved toward and across the Mississippi River. Damaging winds and flooding rains also accompanied the stronger storms.