EF2 tornado in Fayette County, Illinois

A strong tornado developed between U.S. Highway 40 and Interstate 70 about 1.4 miles east of Brownstown on County Road 1750E. The tornado destroyed a barn, depositing the debris downstream into the adjacent open field. The tornado continued northeast across U.S. Highway 40 damaging a few outbuildings and silos on a farmstead. The tornado strengthened and grew in size as it moved just to the west of St. Elmo. Here it caused significant damage to three homes and severe damage/complete destruction to numerous outbuildings. Two of the houses were moved from their foundations. This damage was rated EF-2. The tornado continued northeast toward the St. Elmo Golf Club, causing significant damage to trees and destroying a garage and two outbuildings at a residence located on St. Elmo Country Club Road. The tornado continued northeast crossing Illinois Route 128 into Effingham County (WFO ILX's county warning area). The path length of the tornado in Fayette County was 8.5 miles with a max path width of 200 yards. The damage for this segment was estimated to be EF2 with max wind speeds of 120 MPH. Overall, the entire tornado path length was 11.4 miles with a max path width of 200 yards and a maximum damage rating of EF2.

Strong cold front moved through the region with plenty of lift, moisture and instability. Numerous severe storms developed and raced east across forecast area. There were numerous reports of large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes. Also, because of a tight gradient with this system non-thunderstorm winds gusted in excess of 40 mph in a number of locations.