Tornado Confirmed Near Kentland in Newton County

In southern Newton County, the National Weather Service Chicago says it has confirmed an EF-1 tornado touched down just southwest of Kentland Friday night April 17, 2026, shortly before 10:30 pm CT, southwest of the intersection of US 41 and US 24. It traveled 3.2 miles with peak winds of 90 miles an hour and a maximum width of 50 yards. Officials say the twister downed a billboard, lifted a large portion of a roof of a restaurant, and overturned a semi. It also damaged a farm building. There were no injuries reported. “We will continue to survey impacted areas and analyze high resolution satellite data over the coming weeks, so the number of tornadoes may increase,” the National Weather Service said at their website. Here is a link to view the latest updates from the National Weather Service on severe weather in the Chicago forecast area April 17, 2026.