Illinois Tornadoes Leave Trail of Destruction Across Kankakee, Topeka and Beyond

Severe thunderstorms and multiple tornadoes swept through Illinois on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, causing significant damage in Kankakee County, central Illinois, and as far south as Topeka. While initial reports indicate limited serious injuries, the storms left thousands without power and caused widespread destruction to property.

Four Tornadoes Confirmed in Northern Illinois

The National Weather Service (NWS) reported at least four tornadoes touched down in northern Illinois during the intense supercell thunderstorms according to the Peoria Journal Star. A rare Level 4 out of 5 threat level had been issued by the Storm Prediction Center prior to the storms.

Kankakee County Bears the Brunt of the Storm

Kankakee County experienced a family of at least four tornadoes, with one striking near the Kankakee Fairgrounds and continuing northeast across the Kankakee River into Aroma Park as reported by the NWS and Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office. Extensive damage was reported in the area, including entire roofs torn off homes and 12-inch trees uprooted near Aroma Park.

As of Wednesday morning, Chairman Matthew Alexander-Hildebrand of the Kankakee County Board described the damage as “significant,” but confirmed no deaths or missing individuals. Nine individuals sustained minor injuries. More than 7,000 electricity customers in Kankakee County – approximately 14% of the county – were without power the NWS reported.

Topeka Property Damaged, Horse Killed

Further south, a tornado damaged a property in Topeka, Illinois, destroying a barn and tragically resulting in the death of a horse according to 25News Now. The property owner, Kimberly Wilson, was forced to euthanize her oldest horse after it was injured in the storm. Neighbors are assisting with relocating the remaining 16 horses.

Power Outages and Damage in Green Valley

Downed power lines in Green Valley, southwest Tazewell County, left approximately 4,000 customers without power as of Wednesday afternoon 25News Now reported. Damage included a barn with roof damage and downed poles, leading to school and business closures.

Large Hail Reported

In addition to the tornadoes, the storms produced hail ranging from 3 to 5 inches in diameter, with one hailstone in Kankakee County possibly breaking records according to the NWS.

Ongoing Assessment and Recovery Efforts

NWS service crews are working with emergency management officials to assess the full extent of the damage and confirm the number of tornadoes that occurred. Residents are urged to exercise caution due to debris and downed power lines.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.