About this recording
Published 2026-05-26. Today marks one of Illinois’ deadliest tornado disasters ever. On May twenty-sixth, nineteen seventeen, a violent tornado disaster struck central Illinois, with the worst damage in Mattoon and Charleston. The National Weather Service says one hundred eight people were killed across central Illinois, and about six hundred thirty-eight were injured. This archived recording reflects reporting at publication; conditions may have changed.
An archive briefing, not a real-time warning. Follow current instructions from local authorities.
Understand the reports
Use these explainers to interpret the measurements and warnings discussed in disaster coverage. They provide background, not updates to this archived briefing.
