Illinois Tornado Season Opens With Confirmed Funnel Near Annapolis as Storm Chaser Documents First Twister of 2026
ILLINOIS — The first documented tornado of 2026 has been confirmed near Annapolis, Illinois, as multiple rounds of severe storms swept across central portions of the state.
Storm chasers tracking the event reported one confirmed tornado near Annapolis before shifting focus to additional developing storms across Illinois and into Indiana.
Confirmed Tornado Near Annapolis
The tornado developed within a hail-loaded supercell that required careful positioning to remain in the “notch” — the area of a storm most favorable for rotation.
Photos from the chase show a well-defined funnel descending from a dark storm base over open farmland. The rotating column was clearly visible against the gray sky, marking the first documented tornado intercept of the year for the chaser involved .
Observers described the chase as challenging due to the storm’s structure and heavy precipitation wrapping around the circulation.
Multiple Storm Rounds Verified Across Illinois and Indiana
After documenting the Annapolis tornado, the chase shifted toward a storm approaching Bloomington, Indiana. However, that storm did not produce while positioned in the most favorable viewing area.
Additional storms continued firing back west into central Illinois, confirming earlier forecasts that multiple rounds of storms would impact the region.
Lightning strikes and expansive shelf clouds were also captured during the event, underscoring the volatile environment present across the Midwest.
Tornado Season Underway
Meteorologists have emphasized that early-season severe setups can be complex, especially when multiple storm waves are involved.
The system featured strong dynamics and repeated thunderstorm development, aligning with prior projections that several rounds of storms would sweep through Illinois and Indiana.
While only one tornado was documented during this chase, the event signals that tornado season is officially underway for 2026.
Staying Weather-Aware in Early Season
Early-year severe weather can sometimes catch communities off guard, especially after quieter winter months.
Residents across Illinois and neighboring states are encouraged to monitor forecasts closely as spring approaches and storm systems become more frequent.
Even isolated tornadoes can develop quickly within rotating supercells, particularly when storms interact with shifting boundaries and evolving wind fields.
If you witnessed severe weather in Illinois or Indiana or captured photos from this first tornado event of 2026, share your experience with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com. Community reports help track how the season is unfolding across the region.
