Severe Storms and Tornadoes Leave Central Illinois in Darkness

WHO:

WAND - The City of Charleston declared a state of emergency due to severe storm damage.

FOX Weather - Charleston Mayor Brandon Comb declared a local state of emergency in response to significant storm damage.

WHAT:

WAND - Over 35,000 customers across Illinois are without power after destructive storms.

WAND - Power outages in Macon County: 11,200; Moultrie County: 1,400; Sangamon County: 1,600; Coles County: 9,900; Christian County: 2,100; Effingham County: 1,400.

WAND - A tornado moved through Effingham County just after 8 p.m., causing significant damage.

FOX Weather - Statewide power outages peaked near 60,000 customers by 9:30 p.m. ET.

WAND - Minor injuries were reported in Effingham County, but none were life-threatening.

FOX Weather - Fire officials reported damaged and destroyed homes in Teutopolis due to a confirmed tornado.

WAND - Meridian Elementary School in Blue Mound suffered heavy damage, with parts of its roof hanging off.

FOX Weather - Eastern Illinois University will be closed Thursday due to the damaging storms.

WHERE:

WAND - Central Illinois, specifically Macon, Moultrie, Sangamon, Coles, Christian, Effingham counties.

WAND - Charleston, Petersburg, Effingham, Blue Mound, Illiopolis.

FOX Weather - Teutopolis, Effingham County, Clark County, Indiana.

WHEN:

WAND - The tornado moved through Effingham County just after 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

FOX Weather - Power outages peaked near 60,000 customers by 9:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

WHY:

FOX Weather - Severe storms and tornadoes caused widespread destruction across Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana.

HOW:

WAND - The storms caused downed tree limbs, flooding, and damage to buildings and infrastructure.

FOX Weather - Firefighters responded to several emergency incidents, including damaged homes, downed power lines, and gas leaks.

(UPDATED June 18, 2026 12:11 UTC)

The City of Charleston has declared a local state of emergency due to severe storm damage, as over 35,000 customers across Illinois are currently without power following destructive storms. A tornado moved through Effingham County just after 8 p.m. on Wednesday, causing significant damage, including to Meridian Elementary School in Blue Mound, and leading to the closure of Eastern Illinois University on Thursday. Fire officials reported damaged and destroyed homes in Teutopolis, while minor injuries were noted in Effingham County, though thankfully none were life-threatening.