Deadly Tornadoes Strike Illinois and Indiana, Leaving Trail of Destruction

Severe storms and tornadoes swept through parts of Illinois and Indiana on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, resulting in at least two confirmed fatalities and widespread damage. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed multiple tornado touchdowns, with some reaching EF-3 intensity.

Devastation in Indiana and Illinois

The storms caused significant destruction in several communities, including Kankakee, Pontiac, Aroma Park, Lake Village, and Wheatfield. Two people died in Lake Village, Indiana, after a tornado struck the area, according to Newton County Sheriff Shannon Cothran. The victims have been identified as 89-year-old Ed Kozlowski and his 86-year-old wife, Arlene Kozlowski CBS News.

Officials described Lake Village as “decimated,” with a path of destruction stretching approximately 45 to 50 miles Fox 32 Chicago. Several others were injured, and emergency services are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage.

In Kankakee, Illinois, property damage was reported, though no injuries were immediately confirmed ABC 7 Chicago.

Tornado Strength and Path

The NWS has confirmed an EF-1 tornado near Wheatfield, Indiana, with peak winds reaching 110 mph. An EF-3 tornado touched down near Aroma Park, Indiana, with winds near 150 mph Fox 32 Chicago. Multiple suspected tornadoes are under investigation in areas near Kankakee, Illinois, and Lake Village, Indiana.

The supercell thunderstorm responsible for the tornadoes tracked from Pontiac, Illinois, through Kankakee County, and into northwest Indiana, eventually moving toward Knox, Indiana. The storm traveled over 100 miles, or approximately 160 kilometers ABC 7 Chicago.

Record-Breaking Hail

In addition to the tornadoes, the storms produced large hail, with some hailstones reaching 2 to 4 inches in diameter. A 6-inch diameter hailstone that fell in Kankakee may have set a new Illinois record, though this is still being verified CBS News. In Darien, Illinois, a 4.8-inch hailstone was reported CBS News.

Ongoing Warnings and Response

Dozens of Illinois counties remain under tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings. Meteorologists are also warning of the risk of strong winds and flash floods. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stated that state authorities are monitoring the situation and are prepared to assist affected areas ABC 7 Chicago.

The NWS is deploying survey crews in Kankakee County, Illinois, and Newton and Jasper counties in Indiana to assess the damage and determine the strength of each tornado.