A very strong system developed on the morning of March 31st and tracked across the state of Iowa. This system pulled unseasonably warm and moist air into the Midwest, which combined with a very favorable wind profile to create a volatile environment for severe thunderstorms.  Discrete supercell thunderstorms occurred initially, but quickly transitioned into a QLCS mode. This system produced a historic tornado outbreak for the area, with a record 29 tornadoes on the day, including 13 rated EF-2, 1 rated EF-3, and 1 rated EF-4. This was the first EF-4 tornado in the NWS Quad Cities service area since 1995. 11 injuries were reported, with no known fatalities. In addition to the numerous tornadoes, there were many large hail and damaging wind reports. Maximum straight line thunderstorm winds were estimated at 80 to 90 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:05:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: BLACKHAWK STATE PARK
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter estimated a 58 MPH wind gust at I-280 and Jumer's Casino.

Thunderstorm Wind in HENRY, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:20:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: WOODHULL
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported a roof off of a barn with damage to outbuildings.

Hail in ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:20:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAMPTON
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Thunderstorm Wind in HANCOCK, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 16:37:00 to 31-MAR-23 16:37:00 (CST-6)
Location: NIOTA
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A public received via MPING of tree damage at this location.

Thunderstorm Wind in MERCER, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:00:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SEATON
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Reports of missing shingles from homes, destroyed or damage outbuildings on the outskirts of town. No injuries were reported.

Thunderstorm Wind in WARREN, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:00:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELEANOR
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reports that the tops were snapped out of trees.  They estimated the winds of 70 to 75 MPH.

Thunderstorm Wind in MERCER, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:13:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: MILLERSBURG
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported limbs down.  They estimated the winds up to 70 MPH.

Thunderstorm Wind in HENRY, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:27:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:27:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEKOMA
Magnitude: 100.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Emergency Manager reported that 4 power poles were broken.  The time of the event was estimated using radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in BUREAU, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:47:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:47:00 (CST-6)
Location: THOMAS
Magnitude: 84.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This survey was completed by the NWS in Chicago. Damage to the roof of a home at this location. The damage at this location extended eastward with farm outbuildings as well as damage to trees and tree limbs down.

Thunderstorm Wind in BUREAU, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:57:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:57:00 (CST-6)
Location: WALNUT
Magnitude: 78.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This survey was completed by the NWS in Chicago. The survey team found snapped tree trunks at his location.

Hail in ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 14:20:00 to 31-MAR-23 14:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: MOLINE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in BUREAU, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 14:44:00 to 31-MAR-23 14:44:00 (CST-6)
Location: TISKILWA
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A public report relayed by broadcast media.

Thunderstorm Wind in HENDERSON, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 16:50:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROZETTA
Magnitude: 70.00 MG
Reported by: Public

Pea sized hail was also falling at the time of the severe wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind in BUREAU, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 15:51:00 to 31-MAR-23 15:51:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEW BEDFORD
Magnitude: 103.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This survey was completed by the NWS in Chicago. Two power poles were snapped at this location.

Thunderstorm Wind in MERCER, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 15:58:00 to 31-MAR-23 16:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: SEATON
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Local fire department reported missing shingles on houses, along with destroyed and damaged outbuildings on the outskirts of town. No injuries reported at this time.

Thunderstorm Wind in BUREAU, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:49:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:49:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEW BEDFORD
Magnitude: 86.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This survey was completed by the NWS in Chicago. The survey team found overturned farm outbuildings were found at this location.

Hail in BUREAU, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 15:25:00 to 31-MAR-23 15:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEPONSET
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Report relayed by broadcast media.

Hail in ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:13:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: MOLINE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Report from Mping.

Hail in BUREAU, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 14:52:00 to 31-MAR-23 14:52:00 (CST-6)
Location: PRINCETON
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Relayed by National Weather Service Chicago.

Thunderstorm Wind in BUREAU, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:55:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: WALNUT
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This survey was completed by the NWS in Chicago. The survey team found roof removed from a manufactured home.

Thunderstorm Wind in BUREAU, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:56:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: WALNUT
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This survey was completed by the NWS in Chicago. The survey team found loss of a portion of the roof on a farm outbuilding.

Thunderstorm Wind in BUREAU, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:58:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: WALNUT
Magnitude: 78.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This survey was completed by the NWS in Chicago. The survey team found damage to the roof of a farm outbuilding. South of this location there was damage to trees.

Thunderstorm Wind in BUREAU, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:54:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: MANLIUS
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Two farm outbuildings were destroyed.

Hail in WHITESIDE, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 14:52:00 to 31-MAR-23 14:52:00 (CST-6)
Location: ERIE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Report from Mping.

Hail in BUREAU, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 16:02:00 to 31-MAR-23 16:02:00 (CST-6)
Location: VAN ORIN
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in BUREAU, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 18:00:00 to 31-MAR-23 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: OHIO
Magnitude: 78.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This survey was completed by the NWS in Chicago. The survey team found damage to the  roof of a farm outbuilding.

Thunderstorm Wind in BUREAU, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 18:01:00 to 31-MAR-23 18:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: OHIO
Magnitude: 85.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This survey was completed by the NWS in Chicago. The survey team found broken power poles.

Hail in ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:00:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: LOUD THUNDER PARK
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in WARREN, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:00:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELEANOR
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Tops snapped off of trees, with estimated winds of 70 to 75 mph. Time estimated off of radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in JO DAVIESS, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 18:07:00 to 31-MAR-23 18:07:00 (CST-6)
Location: STOCKTON
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Tornado in CARROLL, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:50:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: LANARK
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado began southeast of Lanark in Carroll County and tracked to the northeast before moving into Ogle County about a quarter mile north of the intersection of W White Oak Road and N Brookville Road. The tornado path then continued for about 5 miles through Ogle County (see NWS Chicago StormData). The tornado then crossed into Stephenson County, just east of the intersection of N Mt. Vernon Road and Montague Road.  This tornado caused extensive damage to several farm buildings and also downed a few trees along its path. The tornado was rated EF-1 in Carroll and Ogle Counties. In Stephenson County, there was no observable damage so the rating is
EF-U.

Tornado in HENRY, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:36:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:46:00 (CST-6)
Location: ATKINSON
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An EF2 tornado developed north of Atkinson, in Henry County, and tracked northeast towards Hooppole, then tracking more easterly for another mile where it ended in western Bureau County as an EF1. For the most part, this tornado was around 200 yards wide, but maxed out at 440 yards just south of Hooppole. At the start of the path, a house sustained siding and window damage, with more damage done to the brick grain silo and outbuilding. As the tornado tracked northeast, additional barns, outbuildings, and trees were damaged. As the tornado moved just south of Hooppole, more outbuildings and barns were damaged, and a house sustained substantial damage, losing its entire roof. Near the end of the path, another grain silo collapsed. The peak estimated winds were 120 mph in Henry County. The tornado crossed into Bureau County about a third of a mile north of Highway 23, on 00 E St, then lifted about one mile to the E/NE.

Thunderstorm Wind in BUREAU, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 18:01:00 to 31-MAR-23 18:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: OHIO
Magnitude: 81.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This survey was completed by the NWS in Chicago. The survey team found multiple tree trunks snapped in the area.

Tornado in CARROLL, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:39:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: MT CARROLL
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A brief tornado occurred near Mt. Carroll as a line of supercell thunderstorms swept northeast over Illinois on March 31st. This tornado was found using satellite information to identify a damage track. There was confirmed powerline damage in that track.

Tornado in STEPHENSON, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 18:01:00 to 31-MAR-23 18:02:00 (CST-6)
Location: FLORENCE
Tornado F-scale: EFU
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado began southeast of Lanark in Carroll County and tracked to the northeast before moving into Ogle County about a quarter mile north of the intersection of W White Oak Road and N Brookville Road. The tornado path then continued for about 5 miles through Ogle County (see NWS Chicago StormData). The tornado then crossed into Stephenson County, just east of the intersection of N Mt. Vernon Road and Montague Road.  This tornado caused extensive damage to several farm buildings and also downed a few trees along its path. The tornado dissipated near the intersection of Florence Road and Illinois Route 26. The tornado was rated EF-1 in Carroll and Ogle Counties. In Stephenson County, there was no observable damage so the rating is
EF-U.

Tornado in BUREAU, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:48:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEW BEDFORD
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado began just south of Illinois highway 92 in northwest Bureau county in the NWS Quad Cities county warning area. It then moved into far southeast Whiteside county, near the intersection of Osage Road and 1050 St E. The tornado tracked for 2 miles in Whiteside County, before moving into Lee County, about a half mile south of the Green River. This tornado would continue for 6 additional miles into southwest Lee County (see NWS Chicago StormData). The damage from this tornado included numerous heavily damaged outbuildings, several snapped power poles, and dozens of trees. The worst damage was to a large farmstead outbuilding on the Whiteside and Bureau County border area, with the roof and two of the four walls destroyed and debris slung well into a field. Peak winds with this tornado were estimated at 110 mph. The tornado was rated EF1 in Bureau and Whiteside Counties.

Tornado in WHITESIDE, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:54:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: DEER GROVE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado began just south of Illinois highway 92 in northwest Bureau County, then moved into far southeast Whiteside county, near the intersection of Osage Road and 1050 St E. The tornado tracked for 2 miles in Whiteside County, before moving into Lee County, about a half mile south of the Green River. This tornado would continue for 6 additional miles into southwest Lee County (see NWS Chicago StormData). The damage from this tornado included numerous heavily damaged outbuildings, several snapped power poles, and dozens of trees. The worst damage was to a large farmstead outbuilding on the Whiteside and Bureau County border area, with the roof and two of the four walls destroyed and debris slung well into a field. Peak winds with this tornado were estimated at 110 mph. The tornado was rated EF1 in Bureau and Whiteside Counties.

Tornado in BUREAU, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:46:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:47:00 (CST-6)
Location: THOMAS
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado developed north of Atkinson, in Henry County, and tracked northeast towards Hooppole, then tracking more easterly for another mile where it ended in western Bureau County.  The tornado crossed into Bureau County about a third of a mile north of Highway 23, on 00 E St, then lifted about one mile to the E/NE. The tornado was rated EF-2 in Henry County, and EF-1 in Bureau County.

Tornado in JO DAVIESS, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:17:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: BLANDING
Tornado F-scale: EFU
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado touched down just south of Bellevue, and moved northeast over the Mississippi River before dissipating. This tornado impacted an RV park and some cabins located nearby. Some structural damage was noted, with some RVs that were flipped and damaged. Several trees within the area were also impacted, with some uprooted. Three  injuries were noted with this tornado in the vicinity of the RV park. This tornado continued into Jo Daviess County, Illinois, but likely dissipated over the river as no damage was observed in a wooded area adjacent to the river. Peak winds were estimated around 105 mph. The tornado damage in Bellevue was rated EF-1. The rating in Jo Daviess County was EF-U as there was no observable damage.

Tornado in HENRY, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:24:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:28:00 (CST-6)
Location: MORRISTOWN
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A strong tornado with estimated 135 mph winds developed a few miles southwest of Geneseo, IL, and tracked into the west side of town. Ground scouring was noted in the path through the fields, heading towards town. In town, several structures were damaged to completely destroyed, including: farm outbuildings, businesses, and warehouses. Several vehicles and trees were also damaged in the path of the tornado.

Tornado in HENRY, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:33:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:37:00 (CST-6)
Location: ATKINSON
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A brief, yet strong tornado tracked north of Atkinson, IL for a few miles, leading to tree damage and damage to farmsteads. Total destruction was noted on one of the outbuildings, with debris scattered throughout the nearby fields.  Peak winds estimated at 110 mph.

Tornado in HENRY, ILLINOIS
From 31-MAR-23 17:37:00 to 31-MAR-23 17:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: KEWANEE MUNI ARPT
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This wide, multi-vortex EF2 tornado touched down west of Kewanee, where it damaged farm buildings and power poles. The tornado continued through the north side of Kewanee, where it primarily damaged trees and sheds. The tornado continued to the northeast of Kewanee with more significant tree and power pole damage.  Estimated peak winds were near 120 mph.