The late afternoon into the evening of Tuesday, February 28 brought a favorable setup for severe weather, including strong tornadoes across much of the Mid-Mississippi Valley and Lower Great Lakes regions.  There were seven tornadoes confirmed in the NWS Chicago county warning area.  Large hail was reported in numerous areas.

Hail in WILL, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 17:58:00 to 28-FEB-17 17:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: GOODINGS GROVE
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Nickel size hail was reported in Homer Glen.

Hail in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 18:12:00 to 28-FEB-17 18:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALSIP
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Hail in WILL, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 18:05:00 to 28-FEB-17 18:06:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHOREWOOD
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Quarter size hail was reported near Seil Road and Sarver Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind in KENDALL, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 22:12:00 to 28-FEB-17 22:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEWARK
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Large trees were blown down blocking Roods Road.  Power lines were also damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 20:55:00 to 28-FEB-17 20:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOMEWOOD
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Wind gusts were estimated to 60 mph.

Hail in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 20:23:00 to 28-FEB-17 20:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: CHICAGO HAMMOND ARPT
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Nickel size hail was reported at the Lansing Municipal Airport.

Hail in WILL, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 18:45:00 to 28-FEB-17 18:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: FRANKFORT
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Nickel size hail was reported near Route 30 and Pfeiffer Road.

Flood in WILL, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 18:15:00 to 28-FEB-17 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: (JOT) JOLIET DISTRIC
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Standing water 3 to 4 inches deep was reported near Interstate 55 and Houlbolt Road.

Hail in LA SALLE, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 20:55:00 to 28-FEB-17 20:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: MENDOTA
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in WILL, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 17:34:00 to 28-FEB-17 17:36:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHOREWOOD
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Hail in WILL, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 20:43:00 to 28-FEB-17 20:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: MOKENA
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Thunderstorm Wind in WILL, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 23:40:00 to 28-FEB-17 23:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: PEOTONE
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A metal roof was blown off a large barn but the rafters were still intact.

Hail in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 20:58:00 to 28-FEB-17 20:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: FLOSSMOOR
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 21:42:00 to 28-FEB-17 21:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: ORLAND PARK
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 21:47:00 to 28-FEB-17 21:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALSIP
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Hail in WILL, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 17:46:00 to 28-FEB-17 17:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: PLAINFIELD
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Half dollar size hail was reported near Lily Cache Road.

Hail in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 20:52:00 to 28-FEB-17 20:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: OLYMPIA FIELDS
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Thunderstorm Wind in LA SALLE, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 21:53:00 to 28-FEB-17 21:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: UTICA
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A semi truck was blown over near Interstate 80 and Interstate 39.

Flood in WILL, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 18:30:00 to 28-FEB-17 20:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: RIDGEWOOD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

One foot of standing water was reported on Route 30 near Briggs Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in COOK, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 18:41:00 to 28-FEB-17 18:41:00 (CST-6)
Location: CALUMET
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

A window was blown out of a house near 175th Street and Dixie Highway.

Thunderstorm Wind in LA SALLE, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 22:12:00 to 28-FEB-17 22:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: OTTAWA
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Wind gusts were estimated to 70 mph.

Tornado in OGLE, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 17:07:00 to 28-FEB-17 17:09:00 (CST-6)
Location: CARTHAGE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: Trained Spotter

The tornado toppled farm equipment, collapsed outbuildings, damaged roofs of homes, and broke large branches out of trees. Straight line winds estimated to be up to 80 MPH produced additional damage 1 to 1.5 miles beyond the tornado path.  (Tornado #5 of 7).

Hail in WILL, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 17:38:00 to 28-FEB-17 17:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: CRYSTAL LAWNS
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Quarter size hail was reported near Larkin Avenue and Black Road.

Hail in WILL, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 17:50:00 to 28-FEB-17 17:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: LOCKPORT LEWIS ARPT
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Penny size hail was observed at the National Weather Service office in Romeoville.

Tornado in LA SALLE, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 16:41:00 to 28-FEB-17 16:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: UTICA AIRPARK ARPT
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

The first area of significant damage in the EF2 range was in the area around the La Salle County Nursing Home and La Salle County Highway Department, with lighter damage upstream from this location. The tornado continued into Naplate and produced widespread EF2 damage to numerous homes. EF3 damage also was identified in two locations. The first was where a minivan was thrown about 30 yards and a home was lifted off its foundation and left with only its interior walls intact. The second was at the Pilkington Glass plant where one section of the factory was completely destroyed. The tornado then crossed the Illinois River and moved through the south side of Ottawa, producing an 800 yard wide path of EF1 damage to trees and homes. The fatalities in Ottawa occurred from a tree falling onto two men who were working outside. The tornado then crossed the Illinois River again and continued to produce EF1 and EF0 damage as it exited Ottawa, finally dissipating in the area northwest of Marseilles. (Tornado #2 of 7).

Tornado in GRUNDY, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 17:04:00 to 28-FEB-17 17:06:00 (CST-6)
Location: STOCKDALE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The path of this tornado was estimated based on video evidence as well as debris found along Interstate 80 near mile marker 104. (Tornado #4 of 7).

Tornado in LA SALLE, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 17:49:00 to 28-FEB-17 17:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: RUTLAND
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado weakened in southeast Marshall County as it crossed I-39 west of Rutland. As the tornado entered LaSalle County and moved into Rutland, it damaged trees and did minor damage to house roofs, before dissipating 0.4 miles east of Rutland at 5:50 pm.  (Tornado #6 of 7).

Hail in WILL, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 20:48:00 to 28-FEB-17 20:51:00 (CST-6)
Location: FRANKFORT
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Quarter to golf ball size hail was reported with half dollar size hail reported between Route 30 and Saint Francis Road.

Hail in DE KALB, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 16:39:00 to 28-FEB-17 16:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: DE KALB
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Penny to nickel size hail was reported in DeKalb, including at the Northern Illinois University.

Hail in DE KALB, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 16:35:00 to 28-FEB-17 16:36:00 (CST-6)
Location: SYCAMORE
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in KANE, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 16:56:00 to 28-FEB-17 16:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: PINGREE GROVE
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in LA SALLE, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 16:43:00 to 28-FEB-17 16:46:00 (CST-6)
Location: OTTAWA
Magnitude: 2.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Hail was estimated to be the size of baseballs in Ottawa.

Hail in WINNEBAGO, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 17:12:00 to 28-FEB-17 17:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: PERRYVILLE
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Nickel size hail was reported near Harrison Avenue and Mulford Road.

Hail in LEE, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 17:12:00 to 28-FEB-17 17:14:00 (CST-6)
Location: DIXON
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Tornado in LA SALLE, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 16:27:00 to 28-FEB-17 16:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: CEDAR PT
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: Trained Spotter

The location and time of this tornado were estimated from spotter photos and videos from the area.  No damage was identified, so the intensity is estimated. (Tornado #1 of 7).

Tornado in LA SALLE, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 16:58:00 to 28-FEB-17 17:02:00 (CST-6)
Location: (MMO)MARSEILLES
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: Trained Spotter

The tornado moved along N 30th Road south of Interstate 80 and produced damage at two farmsteads, both on the north side of the road, and to a tower on the south side of the road. Videos of this tornado suggested the condensation funnel possibly was wider than documented by the survey, but the path width was estimated based on the areas of damage.  (Tornado #3 of 7).

Tornado in LA SALLE, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 17:52:00 to 28-FEB-17 17:57:00 (CST-6)
Location: RUTLAND
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado began east of Rutland, producing isolated tree damage.The tornado increased in intensity as it crossed into Livingston County, where it tore the roof off of a house as it was likely at its peak intensity of EF2.

Tornado in LIVINGSTON, ILLINOIS
From 28-FEB-17 17:57:00 to 28-FEB-17 17:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: LONG POINT
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado began east of Rutland in La Salle County and increased in intensity as it crossed into Livingston County, where it tore the roof off of a house as it was likely at its peak intensity of EF2.The tornado then weakened and snapped a couple of trees before dissipating one mile west of Long Point.