A stormy night in Springfield this week resulted in an EF-1 tornado touchdown on the city's west side. It severely damaged one home and caused other damage elsewhere.
A report from the National Weather Service says the tornado first touched down along Werner Road, about 3/4 mile west of the intersection with Farmingdale Road. Some trees were damaged in that vicinity and a home lost some shingles.
The tornado then moved across open fields and crossed Interstate 72 east of Farmingdale Road at 7:45 p.m. It continued northeast and blew out windows at a house on Bunker Hill Road. More damage reported to a home along Emerson Road and trees damaged.
Continuing northeast, it caused significant damage to a home along Iles Avenue, about a half mile east of the intersection with Emerson Road, removing most of the roof and blowing out a wall on the west side of the building. The strongest part of the tornado (wind speeds 100-105 mph) occurred at this location at 7:49 pm. A young couple and their 1 year old child escaped injury. Across the street, a barn lost its roof, and several trees were snapped off.
The tornado lifted in an open field shortly afterward, at 7:50 pm.
No serious injuries were reported. Several reports of a funnel cloud were also seen in the region. Tornado warnings were issued for Morgan County and Sangamon County Tuesday night.
Two other tornadoes were confirmed in Peoria County that evening.
