Brief tornado touchdowns reported after watch issued for northern Illinois

The National Weather Service received reports Monday of multiple brief tornado touchdowns, including near Clare and Fairdale in DeKalb County, and another likely near Burlington in Kane County.

Reports of wall cloud and funnel cloud sightings – precursors to tornadoes – also were reported Monday afternoon throughout northern Illinois, including near the city of McHenry and in DeKalb County.

A photo of a tornado touching down briefly about 4:30 p.m. captured by self-described storm chaser Colin Davis was shared on Twitter by the National Weather Service’s Chicago office.

[ Tornado touch-down confirmed northeast of Clare, National Weather Service says ]

While possible tornado damage was also reported in McHenry County, the National Weather Service will likely be unable to confirm whether a tornado touched down there until Tuesday at the earliest, as officials will need to survey the area to make a determination, said Scott Lincoln, senior service hydrologist with the National Weather Service.

More rain and some severe storms capable of producing damaging winds or tornadoes may be on their way in northern Illinois.

Storms with a history of producing brief tornadoes continue to move towards the Chicago metropolitan region, the National Weather Service said on Twitter, noting that the environment is still favorable to support additional tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds.

A tornado watch was issued until 10 p.m. for the majority of northern Illinois, including McHenry, Lake, Will, Kane, DuPage, Cook, DeKalb, Ogle, Lee, La Salle, Bureau, Grundy, Putnam, Lee and Whiteside counties, among others. A tornado watch means conditions are favorable to produce tornadoes.

Tornado warnings, which mean a tornado has been spotted in the area, were issued after 4 p.m. for Sycamore, Cherry Valley, Kirkland and elsewhere.

As much as 4 to 5 inches of rain fell between 6 a.m. and noon in some spots Monday, Lincoln said. The precipitation led to localized minor flooding of streets, fields and ditches in portions of McHenry and Boone counties.

A severe storm warning was issued after 3 p.m. in the Rockford area, according to the National Weather Service in Chicago. The storm produced strong winds and the possibility of a tornado.

Storms may develop this evening, bringing the possibility of additional rainfall, damaging winds, hail and a tornado.

A flood advisory has been issued for McHenry County. A flood advisory means minor flooding along waterways and other poor drainage areas is imminent or may occur. Persons in the advisory area should use caution and avoid flood waters. Turn around in a vehicle when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles, the National Weather Service said.

Tuesday’s forecast is expected to bring some relief in the form of sun, but high temperatures are expected to climb above 90 and the air will remain humid.

Monday’s storms come on the eve of the one-year anniversary of a derecho that brought widespread damage across northern Illinois in 2020.