Updated on: April 17, 2026 / 11:02 PM EDT / CBS Chicago
A tornado touchdown was reported in Lena, Illinois, about 48 miles west of Rockford, part of a large storm system moving toward Chicago Friday afternoon. A tornado warning for Lena was issued at 4:45 p.m. CT by the National Weather Service, and livestream video from Lena showed a massive, rotating storm descending on the town.
Public officials reported extensive damage. The Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office posted on social media asking people not to go to Lena. “There is no way to get into town due to trees and wires down,” the post said. “Emergency Services are assisting people per Sheriff Stovall.” The sheriff’s office said no deaths or serious injuries have been reported.
“We are extremely fortunate that this storm did not result in loss of life or serious injury,” Sheriff Steve Stovall said in a statement. “Our focus remains on ensuring the safety of our residents, securing the affected areas, and supporting the Village of Lena as recovery efforts move forward.”
The Village of Lena Police Department issued an urgent public safety alert on its Facebook page warning a second storm was moving toward the area and urging residents to take shelter now. The post warned, “Do not go out to look at damage. Stay off the roads. Our crews are out working, and we need the roads clear so they can do their jobs safely. If you’re able, check on neighbors—but only if you can do it safely.”
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the Illinois Emergency Management Agency has responded to Lena and is coordinating with local officials to offer the state’s full support, urging people to follow local guidance and stay safe.
Photos and video from the town show massive trees snapped and toppled, blocking roads. At 6:20 p.m., the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office posted that Lena was “Shut down” as officials prepared for another round of storms. “There will be NO traffic in or out of town per Sheriff Stovall until further notice. Emergency Services are assisting with storm damage,” the post read.
The storm toppled trees, knocked down power lines, and left debris across the ground. Residents described taking cover as tornado sirens sounded and power went out. “We just had a funnel cloud come through from the … it looked like it came through from the southwest of us and was pouring through, but you could see it form,” one resident, Rich, said. Another resident, Marcia, said she took her dog to the basement and heard a “big old crash” that turned out to be a large tree falling in her yard rather than her roof being torn off.
As night fell, villagers worked to clear debris and repair damaged roofs, and neighbors pitched in to help. “We sent out the calvary, got out here, and the community started kicking in, started bringing in dumpsters, started cleaning up to get people through and make sure everybody’s safe. So, that’s what we like doing,” said Kenneth Quinn.
Radio traffic from Stephenson County public safety officials indicated the National Weather Service warned of a large and “extremely dangerous” tornado just west of Lena. According to the radio traffic, there were reports that part of the roof came off Lena High School and that the elementary school also sustained damage; both schools had students inside when the storm hit. No injuries were reported, and students were kept safe inside as the storm passed, though the radio exchange described “fairly extensive damage” to the school exteriors. School and village officials had not released full details about the extent of the damage.
Lena is about 120 miles west of Chicago.