Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- At approximately 7:55 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, a tornado event began in Effingham County, causing significant damage.
Within the City of Effingham, damage was limited and no injuries were reported. The damage was primarily confined to businesses located along N. 3rd Street (N. U.S. 45). Those businesses damaged:
- JCCI Properties/Mid America Motorworks – 2800 N. 3rd Street: major structural damage
- The Equity – 2900 N. 3rd Street: moderate structural damage
In other areas of Effingham County, damage was widespread and many structures sustained major damage.
City of Effingham departments were busy throughout the night, and again today, assisting City residents, County agencies, and State agencies in relief efforts:
Public Works Department:
- Public Works removed substantial storm debris from Willenborg Street, which was in the direct path of the tornado.
As the City’s commitment to the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN), the Public Works Department has assigned four staff members to Charleston to assist with urgent public works needs in the wake of their devastating tornado.
Police Department:
- Police officers have been busy protecting the public from myriad downed and live power lines. Many of the lines are near the entrances to businesses along 3rd Street.
Fire Department:
- Firefighters provided mutual aid to other fire departments in Sigel and Shumway in efforts to help residents impacted by tornado damage.
- Firefighters responded to a call of a vehicle that had been lifted, carried, and violently hurled by the tornado on North 4th Street, approximately ½ mile north of Rickelman Avenue. The driver of the car was driven to the hospital by a civilian before firefighters arrived on the scene.
Emergency Management (EMA):
- EMA opened the Emergency Operations Center during the storm event.
- EMA opened the storm shelter inside the Effingham Public Library, where 78 persons took shelter during the tornado event and subsequent storms and warnings.
For more information, contact City Administrator Steve Miller at 217-342-5300 extension 5314, or email SMiller@EffinghamIL.com.
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