Weather

Weather service confirms tornado hit St. Clair County

The National Weather Service announced Wednesday that a “brief tornado” with a rating of EF-1 hit southern St. Clair County earlier in the day with an estimated maximum wind speed of 94 mph.

No injuries were reported.

The tornado primarily damaged trees and outbuildings in a rural area between New Athens and St. Libory, according to the weather service.

An upturned swing set in Lenzburg after heavy storms passed through the area.
An upturned swing set in Lenzburg after heavy storms passed through the area. Joshua Carter Belleville News-Democrat

The tornado was 2.6 miles long and had a maximum width of 300 yards.

Damage reports include building damage off Eckert Road, downed branches off Lickenbrock School Road and roof damage on a home off Dintelman Road. All the damage was reported shortly after 5 a.m.

The weather service also said three other tornadoes hit the metro-east. An EF-1 tornado damaged a few homes near Moro and Midway in Madison County early Wednesday and one injury was reported. In Williamson in Madison County, there was an EF-0 tornado and an EF-1 in Grafton in Jersey County.

Here is the Enhanced Fujita, or EF, scale used by the National Weather Service to measure the wind speed of tornadoes:

  • EF-0 65-85 mph
  • EF-1 86-110 mph
  • EF-2 111-135 mph
  • EF-3 136-165 mph
  • EF-4 166-200
  • EF-5 Over 200
A fallen tree in Marissa after heavy storms passed through the area Wednesday.
A fallen tree in Marissa after heavy storms passed through the area Wednesday. Joshua Carter Belleville News-Democrat
A telephone pole near Marissa, Ill. sits askew after heavy storms passed through the area Wednesday.
A telephone pole near Marissa, Ill. sits askew after heavy storms passed through the area Wednesday. Joshua Carter Belleville News-Democrat
Contractors for a tree service help remove a fallen branches from a Lenzburg home after heavy storms passed through the area.
Contractors for a tree service help remove a fallen branches from a Lenzburg home after heavy storms passed through the area. Joshua Carter Belleville News-Democrat

This story was originally published March 11, 2026 at 3:08 PM.

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