Here Are The 9 Most Devastating Storms To Ever Rip Through Illinois
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
If you’ve been around for a while, you probably remember some of the worst storms ever to hit Illinois. From destructive tornados to freezing blizzards, we’ve seen some terrible weather in this state.
These are nine of the most devastating natural disasters to happen in Illinois. Keep scrolling to learn about them all.
On April 21, 1967, a trio of F4 tornados tore through many towns such as Belvidere, Elgin, Lake Zurich, Palos Hills, and Chicago. Over a thousand people were injured while 57 lost their lives. The storm caused over $10 million worth of damage.
Effecting both northern Illinois and Indiana, this storm brought just over 20 inches of snow, though only two to four were expected. It lasted January 13-14, 1979, and five people died.
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Also known as the Great Tri-State Tornado, a level F5 twister traveled across Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana leaving 541 people dead in its wake. More than 1,500 were injured during this March 18, 1925 storm which cut across the towns of Murphysboro, West Frankfort, DeSoto, and Gorham.
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During January 2 - 4, 1999, a massive blizzard hit the entire Midwest and parts of nearby Canada. Nearly 22 inches of snow fell, and in the days following, Arctic temperatures arose. There are no deaths recorded as a result of this storm but many were unable to leave their homes for days.
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In this year, a F4 tornado left 33 dead and 449 injured. It swept thorugh Alton, Bunker Hill, Fosterburg, and Gillespie, destroying many towns. It occurred March 19 nearly 70 years ago, so only few remember.
This blizzard left over 19 inches of snow, with up to nearly 22 inches in some spots, which is more than twice the average in a given year. It took place January 31 through February 2, 2015 and immediately became a record storm due to some of the heaviest snowfall to ever hit the state.
Measuring at level EF4, a tornado touched down in Harrisburg and Ridgeway at the most odd time of year. It was February 29, 2012, when most are still worried about impending blizzards that this storm struck and left eight died and 95 injured.
January 31 thorugh February 2, 2011, parts of Illinois received about 21.2 inches of snow. The storm effected much of the United States, and in Illinois, made problems for people from Springfield to Chicago. The blizzard came with winds over 60 miles per hour and below-average temperatures as well.
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Again at a very unusual time of year, November 17, 2013, a catastrophic tornado touched down in New Minden and Washington. It left five people dead and over 100 people injured all together and is still fresh in the minds of these towns' residents.
If you’re worried about this upcoming winter, check out these predictions about the upcoming winter in Illinois.
Do you remember any of these storms? Share your experiences with us!
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