A warm front lifted northward into the region during the early morning hours of May 15th, triggering a large complex of thunderstorms across Iowa.  These storms tracked eastward into north-central Illinois producing very heavy rain west of the Illinois River during the morning.  Additional strong to severe thunderstorms developed further south along the warm front in the afternoon.  These storms produced numerous reports of large hail, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding - including a fatality in a vechicle due to high water late in the evening. This was the second heavy rain episode within three days in central Illinois.  There were also isolated reports of wind damage in central Illinois.

Hail in CASS, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 15:42:00 to 15-MAY-09 15:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: VIRGINIA
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Hail in DE WITT, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 17:28:00 to 15-MAY-09 17:29:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLINTON
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hail in LOGAN, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 16:46:00 to 15-MAY-09 16:47:00 (CST-6)
Location: CORNLAND
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hail in MORGAN, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 15:04:00 to 15-MAY-09 15:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: MEREDOSIA
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hail in MORGAN, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 15:05:00 to 15-MAY-09 15:06:00 (CST-6)
Location: CHAPIN
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hail in SANGAMON, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 17:49:00 to 15-MAY-09 17:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: SPRINGFIELD
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in PIATT, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 17:52:00 to 15-MAY-09 17:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: CISCO
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Hail in VERMILION, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 17:55:00 to 15-MAY-09 17:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOOPESTON
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hail in PIATT, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 18:00:00 to 15-MAY-09 18:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: MONTICELLO
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hail in VERMILION, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 19:25:00 to 15-MAY-09 19:26:00 (CST-6)
Location: DANVILLE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hail in LOGAN, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 16:54:00 to 15-MAY-09 16:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: CORNLAND
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Nickel-sized hail was accompanied by 50 to 55 mph winds and heavy rain.

Hail in SCOTT, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 16:55:00 to 15-MAY-09 16:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: WINCHESTER
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in LOGAN, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 17:09:00 to 15-MAY-09 17:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: MT PULASKI
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in VERMILION, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 19:46:00 to 15-MAY-09 19:47:00 (CST-6)
Location: GEORGETOWN
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Thunderstorm Wind in SANGAMON, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 17:45:00 to 15-MAY-09 17:46:00 (CST-6)
Location: WILLIAMSVILLE
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Power poles were blown down on the east side of Williamsville.

Hail in PIATT, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 18:05:00 to 15-MAY-09 18:06:00 (CST-6)
Location: MONTICELLO
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Hail in MENARD, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 18:00:00 to 15-MAY-09 18:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: ATHENS
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Hail in CASS, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 16:58:00 to 15-MAY-09 16:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: PHILADELPHIA
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Hail in CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 18:18:00 to 15-MAY-09 18:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: CHAMPAIGN
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hail in CHRISTIAN, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 18:15:00 to 15-MAY-09 18:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: MT AUBURN
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Hail in COLES, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 20:00:00 to 15-MAY-09 20:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: MATTOON
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hail in MENARD, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 16:12:00 to 15-MAY-09 16:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: PETERSBURG
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Hail in MENARD, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 16:20:00 to 15-MAY-09 16:21:00 (CST-6)
Location: GREENVIEW
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Hail in SANGAMON, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 16:28:00 to 15-MAY-09 16:29:00 (CST-6)
Location: CANTRALL
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hail in MENARD, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 16:28:00 to 15-MAY-09 16:29:00 (CST-6)
Location: ATHENS
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Flash Flood in FULTON, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 09:30:00 to 15-MAY-09 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: LONDON MILLS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Heavy rain on already saturated ground resulted in flooded roads in much of northern Fulton County. Illinois Routes 116 and 78 near Farmington were closed. Illinois Route 9 was covered with water and impassible in spots from Checkrow to Fiatt.

Flash Flood in DE WITT, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 18:30:00 to 15-MAY-09 23:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: MIDLAND CITY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Heavy rain of 1.50 to 2.50 inches fell within two hours across parts of southern Dewitt County. This produced extensive flash flooding, particularly on rural roads.

Flash Flood in MACON, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 18:30:00 to 15-MAY-09 23:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: HEMAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Heavy rain of 1.50 to 2.50 inches fell within two hours across parts of northern Macon County. This produced extensive flash flooding, particularly on rural roads.

Flash Flood in KNOX, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 11:30:00 to 15-MAY-09 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SALUDA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Heavy rain on an already saturated ground produced extensive flash flooding in southern Knox County, particularly along the Spoon River basin. Part of U.S. Highway 150, about 3 miles southeast of Dahinda, was under water.

Flash Flood in STARK, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 12:30:00 to 15-MAY-09 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELMIRA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Heavy rain of 2.00 to 3.00 inches on already saturated ground produced widespread flash flooding of most roads across Stark County. Many rural roads were closed to traffic due to high water.

Flash Flood in PEORIA, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 12:30:00 to 15-MAY-09 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELMORE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Heavy rain of 2.00 to 3.00 inches on already saturated ground produced widespread flash flooding of most roads across western Peoria County. U.S. Route 150 from 2 miles west of Brimfield to 1 mile east of Brimfield was impassible.

Flood in KNOX, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 19:30:00 to 16-MAY-09 07:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: ST AUGUSTINE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Periods of heavy rain on saturated soil resulted in extensive flooding in southern Knox county, particularly in the vicinity of the upper Spoon River basin. Nearly every road was under water and impassible. A 46 year old woman drove her car around a barricade and was swept into the Spoon River just north of the Fulton/Knox County line, about 7 miles southwest of Maquon. She drowned in Fulton County around Midnight and was found in the Spoon River near London Mills.

Flash Flood in CHRISTIAN, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 19:15:00 to 16-MAY-09 00:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SICILY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Heavy rain of 1.00 to 2.00 inches fell within two hours, on already saturated ground, across northwest Christian County. This produced extensive flash flooding, particularly on rural roads.

Flash Flood in KNOX, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 11:45:00 to 15-MAY-09 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: RIO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Heavy rainfall of 2.00 to 3.00 inches on already saturated ground produced widespread flash flooding in northern Knox County. Many roads were covered with water, and several rural roads were closed to traffic. Numerous streets in the city of Galesburg were also closed due to high water.

Flash Flood in MOULTRIE, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 21:00:00 to 16-MAY-09 01:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: DUNN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Heavy rain of 1.00 to 2.00 inches fell within two hours, on already saturated ground, across parts of southern Moultrie County. This produced extensive flash flooding, particularly on rural roads and streets in the town of Sullivan.

Flood in FULTON, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 19:30:00 to 16-MAY-09 07:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: AVON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Periods of heavy rain on saturated soil resulted in extensive flooding in northern Fulton county, particularly in the vicinity of the upper Spoon River basin. Nearly every road was under water and impassible. A 46 year old woman died when she drove her car around a barricade and was swept into the Spoon River just north of the Fulton/Knox County line. She drowned in Fulton County around Midnight and was found in the Spoon River near London Mills.

Flash Flood in CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 19:00:00 to 16-MAY-09 00:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MAHOMET
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Heavy rain of 1.50 to 2.50 inches fell within two hours across central parts of Champaign County. This produced extensive flash flooding. Numerous streets in the cities of Champaign and Urbana were flooded and impassible. Several vehicles were stranded in the flood waters, particularly in or near viaducts. There were no injuries.

Flash Flood in PIATT, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 19:00:00 to 15-MAY-09 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: DE LAND
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Heavy rain of 1.00 to 1.50 inches fell within one hour, on already saturated ground, across central Piatt County. This produced extensive flash flooding, particularly on rural roads and on streets in the city of Monticello.

Flash Flood in VERMILION, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 19:45:00 to 16-MAY-09 00:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: RANKIN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Heavy rain of 1.50 to 2.00 inches fell within two hours, on already saturated ground, across northern Vermilion County. This produced extensive flash flooding, particularly on rural roads. Multiple streets were flooded in the city of Danville, and Illinois Route 9 near Hoopeston was impassible.

Lightning in PIATT, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 17:50:00 to 15-MAY-09 17:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: MONTICELLO
Property damage: 60.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Lightning struck a power pole on the east side of Monticello. The lightning strike caused damage to electrical systems and appliances in several homes. There were no injuries.

Flash Flood in FULTON, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 15:00:00 to 15-MAY-09 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: BRERETON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Another round of thunderstorms with 1.00 to 2.00 inches of rain resulted in renewed flash flooding in Fulton County. The heavy rain caused many roads, particularly in rural areas, to be impassible.

Flash Flood in SCHUYLER, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 16:00:00 to 15-MAY-09 20:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BIRMINGHAM
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Heavy rain of 2.00 to 4.00 inches in two to three hours resulted in widespread flash flooding in northern Schuyler County. The heavy rain caused nearly every road in rural areas to be impassible. A large portion of Illinois Route 101 was closed to traffic.

Flash Flood in MCLEAN, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 17:45:00 to 15-MAY-09 22:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: HENDRIX
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Heavy rainfall of 1.00 to 2.00 inches within an hour, on already saturated ground, produced flash flooding in southern McLean County. Many rural roads were flooded. Numerous streets in the town of LeRoy were under water.

Flash Flood in FULTON, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 08:00:00 to 15-MAY-09 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: AVON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Heavy rain produced up to 2 feet of water on parts of county road 20 near Avon. Water also covered a rural road near London Mills.

Flash Flood in KNOX, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 14:25:00 to 15-MAY-09 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: RIO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Another round of thunderstorms resulted in renewed flash flooding in Knox County. The heavy rain caused many roads, particularly in rural areas, to be impassible.

Flash Flood in STARK, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 16:00:00 to 15-MAY-09 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELMIRA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Another round of thunderstorms with 1.00 to 1.50 inches of rain resulted in renewed flash flooding in Stark County. The heavy rain caused many roads, particularly in rural areas, to be impassible.

Flash Flood in PEORIA, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 16:00:00 to 15-MAY-09 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELMORE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Another round of thunderstorms with 1.00 to 1.50 inches of rain resulted in renewed flash flooding in western Peoria County. The heavy rain caused many roads, particularly in rural areas, to be impassible.

Flash Flood in LOGAN, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 17:40:00 to 15-MAY-09 22:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELKHART
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Heavy rain on an already saturated ground produced significant flash flooding in southern Logan County. Illinois Route 121 between Mt. Pulaski and Latham was impassible due to high water. An apartment complex in Latham was evacuated due to rapidly rising water.

Hail in SANGAMON, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 17:45:00 to 15-MAY-09 17:46:00 (CST-6)
Location: SPRINGFIELD
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in SANGAMON, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 17:45:00 to 15-MAY-09 17:46:00 (CST-6)
Location: SPRINGFIELD
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Thunderstorm Wind in LOGAN, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 17:00:00 to 15-MAY-09 17:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: BEASON
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Strong winds damaged the roof and trusses of a machine shed.

Hail in PIATT, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 17:50:00 to 15-MAY-09 18:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: MONTICELLO
Magnitude: 2.75 
Property damage: 255.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Large hail damaged siding, gutters, roofs, and windows to numerous homes in the Long Grove subdivision west of Monticello.  Hail up to 2.75 inches in diameter was also reported on the east side of Monticello, where several cars were damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind in MENARD, ILLINOIS
From 15-MAY-09 18:00:00 to 15-MAY-09 18:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: ATHENS
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Large tree limbs were blown down in Athens.