Meteorologist Darren Leeds

Tuesday, June 23, 3:25PM

Wednesday will bring some scattered showers and minor thunderstorms to the region, but Friday is looking like the big day for rain across the entire area.

Rain will likely push in from the south by the late morning and continue throughout the majority of the day. There doesn't appear to be much of a break from the rain at this point in time. Models are projecting some substantial rain by the time it all wraps up. Many of us could receive between 1-2" on Friday alone.



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Tuesday, June 23, 2:55PM

Illinois has also broken its Tornado Warning record in 2026, with 280 warnings issued so far this year.

The old record was 256 in 1998, and we're still not done with the severe weather season here in the state.



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Monday, June 22, 8:45PM

We had 3 additional tornadoes confirmed this evening from Sunday's storms (6/21/26). Here's a look at the path tracks and details for each of them.

-Stewardson Tornado: EF0 rating. The tornado began about 4 miles southwest of Stewardson, causing damage to trees and a farm outbuilding along its 2.3-mile path.

-Bradbury Tornado: EF0 rating. The tornado began about 1 mile southeast of Bradbury near County Road 1350. It tracked northeast, damaging several trees and a couple of farm outbuildings. It turned east-northeastward and tracked just south of Cottonwood, causing more tree damage before lifting northwest of Diona near the county line.

-Neoga Tornado: EF1 rating. The tornado touched down about 1 mile southeast of Neoga, on the east side of I-57. It damaged a few farm outbuildings and trees along its path, which was less than 1 mile long, lifting just north of County Road 1000 N.



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Monday, June 22, 3:30PM

After last Wednesday's (6/17/26) storms, Illinois has officially broken its own record for the number of tornadoes in a given year. Our previous record was 142 in 2024.

Storm surveys are underway right now to look at Sunday's (6/21/26) storm damage. The record will continue to climb following these results and what we will see for the remainder of the severe weather season.

Years with the most confirmed tornadoes:
1: 2026 - 152 (and counting)
2: 2024 - 142
3: 2025 - 126
4: 2006 - 124
5: 2023 - 121
6: 2003 - 120
7: 1974 - 107
8: 1998 - 99
9: 2004 - 80
10: 2021 - 75



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Well, after almost 6 hours of non-stop storm coverage, I can finally make my Father’s Day post.

Being a dad to a 5-year-old daughter has taught me more about love, patience, imagination, and joy than I ever thought possible. Every day is filled with endless questions, big hugs, and watching the world through her curious eyes. She reminds me to slow down, be present, and appreciate the little moments that end up meaning the most.

Then there's Thor, bringing equal parts chaos, laughter, and unconditional love. Between chasing toys, belly rubs, and keeping us all on our toes, our furry family member has added even more adventure to this journey.

Fatherhood isn't about being perfect. It's about showing up every day, creating memories, offering comfort, sharing laughs, and doing your best to be the person your kids believe you are.

I wouldn't trade the bedtime stories, early mornings, or messy moments for anything. My daughter and our corgi make every day an adventure, and I'm grateful to be their dad.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads, stepdads, grandpas, and father figures making a difference every day.