A quasi-stationary frontal boundary was the main focusing mechanism for a round of significant severe weather over the forecast area.  A strong shortwave moved along the boundary triggering widespread showers and thunderstorms.  Numerous reports of large hail, damaging winds and 22 tornadoes occurred with this system.

Thunderstorm Wind in BROWN, ILLINOIS
From 27-FEB-11 20:20:00 to 27-FEB-11 20:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: MT STERLING
Magnitude: 65.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Thunderstorm Wind in ST. CLAIR, ILLINOIS
From 27-FEB-11 23:50:00 to 27-FEB-11 23:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: MASCOUTAH
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Thunderstorm winds blew over a semi on Illinois Route 177 east of Mascoutah.  No injuries were reported.

Thunderstorm Wind in MONTGOMERY, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-11 00:00:00 to 28-FEB-11 00:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: LITCHFIELD
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in MADISON, ILLINOIS
From 27-FEB-11 23:55:00 to 27-FEB-11 23:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: HIGHLAND WINET ARPT
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 1.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Thunderstorm winds caused a barn to collapse on a hog farm.  Four hogs were killed.

Thunderstorm Wind in MADISON, ILLINOIS
From 27-FEB-11 23:50:00 to 27-FEB-11 23:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALHAMBRA
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Thunderstorm winds blew the metal roof off of a shed and part of the roof off of a grain silo.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLINTON, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-11 00:10:00 to 28-FEB-11 00:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: BARTELSO
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm winds blew down a barn and snapped several power poles.

Thunderstorm Wind in WASHINGTON, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-11 00:18:00 to 28-FEB-11 00:18:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOYLETON
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm winds blew down a couple of ham radio antennas.

Thunderstorm Wind in MADISON, ILLINOIS
From 27-FEB-11 23:39:00 to 27-FEB-11 23:39:00 (CST-6)
Location: MARYVILLE
Magnitude: 62.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Thunderstorm winds blew down several trees, numerous tree limbs and tore a 16 foot by 24 foot section of a roof off of Copper Creek Christian Church.  A pavilion at Drost Park was picked up and dropped about 10 feet away from its original location.

Thunderstorm Wind in FAYETTE, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-11 00:23:00 to 28-FEB-11 00:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: SEFTON
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in MARION, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-11 00:30:00 to 28-FEB-11 00:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: CENTRAL CITY
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm winds blew down numerous tree limbs and several power lines.

Thunderstorm Wind in RANDOLPH, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-11 00:20:00 to 28-FEB-11 00:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: SCHULINE
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Thunderstorm winds blew down a large tree onto Zion Church Road, southeast of Walsh.

Hail in ADAMS, ILLINOIS
From 27-FEB-11 18:30:00 to 27-FEB-11 18:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: QUINCY
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A wide swath of three quarter to one inch hail was reported from Quincy through the Camp Point area to between Golden and Clayton.

Hail in ADAMS, ILLINOIS
From 27-FEB-11 18:31:00 to 27-FEB-11 18:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: QUINCY
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in BROWN, ILLINOIS
From 27-FEB-11 18:55:00 to 27-FEB-11 18:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: TIMEWELL
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Hail in BROWN, ILLINOIS
From 27-FEB-11 20:20:00 to 27-FEB-11 20:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: HERSMAN
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Tornado in FAYETTE, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-11 00:27:00 to 28-FEB-11 00:28:00 (CST-6)
Location: CONFIDNECE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado touched down in Confidence, Illinois approximately 8 miles southwest of St. Elmo or 9.5 miles east-southeast of Vandalia.  The tornado touched down near the intersection of County Road 1750E and County Road 1275N.  In this location it damaged a residence, trees, and outbuildings.  A convergent pattern was found in the debris.  The tornado then continued east northeast and damaged several residences and farm buildings along County Road 1275N.  One residence was shifted 22 feet off the foundation and another was shifted 6 feet off the foundation.  Lumber from the roof was driven into the siding and into the foundation at a third residence.  The tornado then skipped through a wooded area north of County Road 1275N before lifting west of Illinois Route 185.  The maximum damage was rated EF2 with a maximum wind speed around 120 mph.  The total length of this tornado was approximately 1.3 miles with a maximum width of 90 yards.

Tornado in FAYETTE, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-11 00:32:00 to 28-FEB-11 00:33:00 (CST-6)
Location: ST ELMO
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado briefly touched down approximately 1 mile southeast of St. Elmo at a farm building located a tenth of a mile south of Interstate 70 and two tenths of a mile north of County Road 1900N along County Road 2250E.  The south facing wall of a large metal farm storage building was blown out with debris scattered over one half mile into an adjacent field. Several 2x4s were driven several feet into the ground.  A billboard just south of the farm building supported by 16 wooden posts, each 5 to 10 inches in diameter.  All of these posts were snapped but there was no damage to the power poles directly across the road. Since the billboard was found on the road directly in front of the posts rather than farther downstream, it appears that straight line winds caused damage to the billboard while the tornado was responsible for damage to the farm building. The maximum damage was rated EF1 with a maximum wind speed around 95 mph.  The total length of this tornado was approximately two tenths of a mile with a maximum width of 10 yards.

Tornado in MADISON, ILLINOIS
From 27-FEB-11 23:42:00 to 27-FEB-11 23:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: KUHN
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado formed just west of Interstate 55 near Mick Road approximately 2 miles north of the Interstate 55/70/255 interchange where a few power poles were knocked over. The tornado crossed Interstate 55 and produced minor tree damage. It continued east-northeast where it produced roof and siding damage to a couple of homes. One home had part of the roof decking on the south side of the house removed while another had a flag pole located well to the north of the structure bent over almost to ground level. This pole was pointing south. Further along the path, a barn was destroyed along Staunton Road with debris strewn several hundred yards across the road into an open field. The tornado continued east-northeast until it snapped several mature pine trees off several feet above the ground along Nealy Lane. The tornado dissipated before reaching Illinois Route 4. The path length was 2 miles. The tornado had a maximum width of 50 yards and maximum intensity of EF1 for the destroyed barn and the snapped pine trees.

Tornado in MADISON, ILLINOIS
From 27-FEB-11 23:39:00 to 27-FEB-11 23:41:00 (CST-6)
Location: GLEN CARBON
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado touched down between Edwardsville and Glen Carbon near the intersection of Ginger Creek Drive and Illinois Route 157. There were several cedar trees uprooted at this location. The tornado continued east-northeast through the Ginger Creek Subdivision to the intersection of Center Grove Road and Illinois Route 159. This is where a metal industrial building sustained roof and siding damage. The tornado also crossed the intersection of Center Grove Road and Troy Road where a few signs of local businesses were damaged and a Home Depot sustained some damage to small preconstructed sheds sitting outside. The tornado continued east-northeast to near the intersection of Gerber Road and Governors Parkway where several houses sustained minor roof and siding damage. The tornado dissipated just beyond this location. The path length of this tornado was 2.4 miles long. Most of the damage along the path was rated EF0 with the maximum intensity rated EF1 for some tree damage and the industrial building damage. The maximum path width was 150 yards.

Tornado in MADISON, ILLINOIS
From 27-FEB-11 23:45:00 to 27-FEB-11 23:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: CHINATOWN
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

It was determined that a tornado touched down on Weathervane Road on the west side of Troy at approximately 11:45 PM.  It was there that the tornado was at its strongest, an EF2, as it completely removed the roof from a well constructed home.  One occupant received a serious head laceration and was treated at a local hospital.  The tornado moved eastward at 60 mph, with a damage swath of 100 to 200 yards wide.  Numerous trees, power lines, and roofs sustained minor to moderate damage along its path.  The tornado continued to near the intersection of North Dewey Street and East Market Street, where it lifted at approximately 11:48 PM.  The path length was 2.7 miles long.

Tornado in FAYETTE, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-11 00:33:00 to 28-FEB-11 00:34:00 (CST-6)
Location: ST ELMO
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado briefly touched down near the Fayette and Effingham county line approximately two tenths of a mile south of County Road 1800N.  Two large farm buildings were destroyed and debris was thrown 1 mile to the east into Effingham County.  Other farm buildings also sustained damage. There were four spots on the property with evidence that heavy debris, including a cinderblock, was thrown a substantial distance to the northwest.  Several 2x4s were driven several feet into the ground.  The tornado did not go into Effingham county. The maximum damage was rated EF2 with a maximum wind speed around 115 mph.  The total length of this tornado was a tenth of a mile with a maximum width of 50 yards.

Tornado in WASHINGTON, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-11 00:03:00 to 28-FEB-11 00:06:00 (CST-6)
Location: OKAWVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado formed just to the southwest of Okawville. The tornado moved across the south side of town and damaged the local grain elevator, produced some minor roof and exterior damage to houses along the south side of East Schumacher Street. The Emmanuel Lutheran School also sustained some minor roof damage. The tornado continued to the east where it produced some additional damage and snapped an 8-10 inch diameter tree trunk approximately 6 feet off the ground. The tornado continued east until it damaged a house on Hummingbird Road. This house suffered an unknown amount of roof damage because it was in the process of being repaired. There was also minor tree damage and an outbuilding that was destroyed with the debris scattered several hundred yards to the northeast. The tornado lifted just to the east of this location. Path length was 2.8 miles with a maximum width of 50 yards and rated EF0.

Tornado in WASHINGTON, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-11 00:08:00 to 28-FEB-11 00:11:00 (CST-6)
Location: COVINGTON
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado touched down approximately 6 miles east of Okawville on Illinois Route 177 near the Kuhl Lumber and Pallet Company. Minor roof and siding damage occurred to an ongoing construction project at the saw mill. A few trees along a tree line to the east of the complex were topped. The tornado continued east where it struck a farmstead causing considerable damage. A 48 by 96 foot machine shed was completely destroyed with much of the debris scattered up to almost one mile to the east. Another building was lost at this location as well as a grain bin. Two other barns sustained damage with one being pushed off the foundation by several feet. The debris from the machine shed impacted the house, garage and workshop with several missiles not only in the ground but also into other structures. The home sustained several broken windows from flying debris. The roof of the home had at least five rafters damaged when an unknown heavy object hit the roof, but was blown away during the storm. The tornado continued to the east and dissipated approximately one mile west of New Minden. The path length was 2.3 miles with a maximum intensity of EF2 due to the damage at the farmstead. Maximum damage width was 100 yards.

Thunderstorm Wind in ST. CLAIR, ILLINOIS
From 27-FEB-11 23:35:00 to 27-FEB-11 23:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: EAST ST LOUIS
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm winds blew down part of a fence and bent a flag pole in half in Cahokia.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLINTON, ILLINOIS
From 27-FEB-11 23:55:00 to 28-FEB-11 00:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEW BADEN
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in MADISON, ILLINOIS
From 27-FEB-11 23:46:00 to 27-FEB-11 23:46:00 (CST-6)
Location: (ALN)STL RGNL ARPT A
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Tornado in MADISON, ILLINOIS
From 27-FEB-11 23:35:00 to 27-FEB-11 23:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRANITE CITY
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

It was determined that an EF1 tornado cut a 100 yard wide, over 3 mile long path through Granite City. The tornado first touched down at approximately 11:35 PM near the intersection of Illinois Route 3 and Rock Road.  There, a large storage facility lost much of its roof.  The tornado rapidly moved eastward at nearly 60 mph, causing significant tree and roof damage in its path.  The tornado reached Maryville Road at around 11:38 PM where it dissipated.

Tornado in BOND, ILLINOIS
From 27-FEB-11 23:57:00 to 28-FEB-11 00:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: OLD RIPLEY
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado touched down approximately 2.5 miles north of Pocahontas at a farm and residence along File Avenue.  A concentrated area of extensive tree damage was found next to the residence. Every hardwood and softwood tree in this area was snapped at the trunk. Tree tops were thrown 30 to 50 yards. Several trees were also uprooted. The house sustained shingle damage and two supporting posts on the house were blown out.  A granary was destroyed with debris thrown between 50 and 100 yards.  A large metal storage shed lost its roof and two walls were blown out with debris scattered between 1/4 and 1/2 mile. The tornado skipped east, hitting another farmstead on Shawnee Road, causing damage to a silo and roof.  The debris was tossed to the north over 300 yards. The maximum damage was rated EF1 with a maximum wind speed around 100 mph. The total length of the tornado was 2.7 miles with a maximum width of 50 yards.

Thunderstorm Wind in PIKE, ILLINOIS
From 27-FEB-11 20:05:00 to 27-FEB-11 20:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEW CANTON
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Thunderstorm winds blew down several large trees along Illinois Route 96 between New Canton and Rockport.  One of the trees landed on a house causing moderate damage.

Thunderstorm Wind in MADISON, ILLINOIS
From 27-FEB-11 23:52:00 to 27-FEB-11 23:52:00 (CST-6)
Location: HIGHLAND
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Thunderstorm winds blew down several power lines, tree limbs and signs througout town.