Tornado Warning Issued for Clay, Effingham, and Jasper Counties in Illinois

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Lincoln has issued a Tornado Warning for portions of south central and southeastern Illinois. The alert was triggered by a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado, with rotation indicated by radar.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the following regions:

• Southwestern Jasper County in southeastern Illinois
• North central Clay County in south central Illinois
• Southeastern Effingham County in south central Illinois

At 6:38 PM CST, the storm was located near Bible Grove, or 13 miles south of Effingham. The system is expected to be near Bogota around 6:55 PM CST.

What You Should Do

TAKE COVER NOW! Residents in the affected area should move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid all windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter immediately to protect yourself from flying debris.

Expected Conditions

• Hazards: Tornado and quarter-size hail (up to 1.00 inch).
• Movement: The storm is moving east at 35 mph.
• Potential Impact: Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes are likely to be damaged or destroyed. Residents should expect damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles, as well as likely tree damage.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 6:38 PM CST on February 19, 2026, and is effective until 7:30 PM CST.