A series of reported tornadoes has torn through the midwestern United States, ripping roofs off homes and leaving roads impassable.
Damage from a major storm in Lena, Illinois, is shown on Friday, April 17, 2026 in Lena, Ill. Damage from a major storm in Lena, Illinois, is shown on Friday, April 17, 2026 in Lena, Ill. A destructive burst of strong winds and reported tornadoes across the Upper Midwest left rural communities Saturday sifting through the destruction that was left behind.
Damage was severe in some communities — roofs ripped off homes, power lines tangled, and roads impassable because of debris. However, no deaths were reported.“We are extremely fortunate that this storm did not result in loss of life or serious injury,” Stephenson County Sheriff Steve Stovall said of the storm that hit Lena, Illinois, on Friday.A tornado tore through Kronenwetter and Ringle in central Wisconsin on Friday afternoon, leaving damaged homes and some residents briefly trapped in their basements, Ringle Fire Chief Chris Kielman told reporters. Marathon County Sheriff Chad Billeb said during a Friday night news conference that he had not seen this much devastation during his 34 years in law enforcement.Recovery from the storm will take a long time, Brent Jacobson, a Wisconsin state representative, said in a Saturday morning social media post. “As the photos and videos continue to come in, it is clear that parts of Ringle and Kronenwetter suffered devastating damage,” Jacobson's statement said. In Olmsted County, Minnesota, sheriff's officials said tornadoes caused “multiple levels” of damage. At least 30 homes were damaged in Marion Township, with a number of those sustaining"significant'' damage. Personnel from Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Rochester Fire and Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office went door-to-door checking on residents, the sheriff's statement said. The National Weather Service said the damage was likely caused by tornadoes and that surveys of the affected areas would be conducted over the weekend. In Illinois, Leo Zach, 14, had just gotten to the high school band room for a music competition when the building started shaking and the power went out. He said the room was packed with students and some were very scared and had panic attacks. “I’m definitely on the luckier side of how that could’ve happened," he said. “I was just trying to stay calm, help other people.” When they got outside, they found some of the windows blown out in the gym and part of the school's roof ripped off. Photos and video posted online showed a garage totaled, bricks torn off of buildings and fences demolished.Rachel Nemon had been going to pick up her stepson from Lena's middle school when she had to pull into a car wash to take cover from the storm. She watched a large tree get ripped from the ground and sparks fly feet in front of her. “This is something that you see online, not in real life, especially in a small town in Illinois,” she said. Gov. JB Pritzker said in a post on the social platform X that he's been briefed on the damage and that the Illinois Emergency Management Agency is on the ground.Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.Firefighters battling 300-acre brush fire in Nassau CountyMother demands safety changes after she says teen son was jumped, robbed at Westside parkFormer Jacksonville teacher’s arrest raises concerns about platforms not meant for messaging1 year after FSU shooting, records reveal suspect’s ChatGPT messages as victims are honoredLocal nonprofit helps disabled Army veteran, fiancée become homeowners in Green Cove SpringsBradford County commissioners postpone decision on potential ICE detention center0:51Man arrested in connection with fatal shooting at Circle K off Square Lake BoulevardIt's harvest time! These mighty microgreens are ready...Score a free Jumbo Shrimp replica jersey on April 18Tour your dream home without the pressure 👀🏡Color the Weather: Willie’s Forecast ☀️📚Operation New Uniform hosts 10th annual clay shooting fundraiser for veteransMan fatally shot at Circle K off Square Lake Boulevard on Jacksonville's SouthsideJacksonville family to remember teen killed hours after high school graduation four years agoRiver City Science Academy teacher accused of ‘grooming’ student using messages on Canva app▶State approves $3 million for Northwest Jacksonville programs for small businesses, crime preventionState approves $3 million for Northwest Jacksonville programs for small businesses, crime preventionWhat really happens after you drop off a donation? 👀0:56Jags safety, Marine Officer Rayuan Lane III swears in recruits before NFL seasonThe Raines 4x400 relay team breaks a school record 👟💨JEA board member warns against waiving attorney-client privilege at rates and capacity fee workshopJEA board member warns against waiving attorney-client privilege at rates and capacity fee workshopFormer dance company CEO still faces sexual battery charge after one count droppedFrom gold to green, just a few more days and it's harvest time!
U.S. News Leo Zach Brent Jacobson Chris Kielman Rachel Nemon J.B. Pritzker Chad Billeb
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