MASCOUTAH, Ill. – A powerful EF-2 tornado wreaked havoc across St. Clair and Clinton counties in Illinois, prompting emergency response teams to work tirelessly on recovery efforts. The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado struck with peak winds reaching 120 mph, causing extensive damage from north of Mascoutah to south of Trenton and impacting multiple homes and farms.
This severe weather system unfolded on Friday night, March 14, 2025, when the second tornado began its destructive path near Machine Shop Road west of New Baden at 10:33 p.m., travelling northeast before dissipancing shortly after. The tornado spanned 6.3 miles with a width of 700 yards, leading to significant destruction. Neighboring O’Fallon, Illinois, was also affected, with the mobile home park experiencing roofs torn off and trees snapped, reducing entire structures to rubble.
Joe Fourine, a long-time farmer from Mascoutah, described the devastation on his property, noting his shed and other equipment were destroyed with damages estimated to be in the millions. “Most of my trees in my yard are gone,” Fourine lamented. “Sixteen sheds are gone. I had a bunch of equipment damage, and our elevator legs collapsed. Over half our beds are ruined.”
Fourine was among many residents impacted by the storm, which was characterized by local officials as one of the worst they have seen in many years. Herb Simmons, from the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency, emphasized the importance of timely warnings. “I believe our residents took to those warnings and that's what minimized those serious injuries,” he stated. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, underscoring the effectiveness of the warnings.
The initial tornado hit shortly before, beginning at 10:28 p.m. from the northeastern outskirts of O’Fallon, and was rated EF-1, reaching peak winds of 109 mph. Its path lasted 6.8 miles, dissipancing around 10:33 p.m. near Rose Road and Starr Road, also leading to the destruction of multiple mobile homes at the Parkview community. The National Weather Service confirmed these details, noting no fatalities resulted from the tornadoes.
Alex Elmore, a meteorologist with the NWS, provided insights on the tornadoes, reitering the severity of the damage incurred. He mentioned two teams were deployed to conduct damage assessments and search for any additional tornado activity. One team was assigned to Randolph County, IL., and another headed to Arnold, MO.
Efforts to clear roadways and restore power have been relentless, as emergency crews face the challenges left by fallen trees and damaged infrastructure. First responders were praised for their quick action during the storm, having worked tirelessly to rescue residents trapped inside damaged homes. “You don’t fully get prepared for these types of storms, but they were as prepared as possible,” Simmons noted.
With the cleanup efforts underway, officials urge residents to remain cautious as they navigate the recovery process. Shelters are being set up to assist displaced individuals, providing food, water, and comfort. This community-driven response aims to bring hope and support to those affected during this challenging time.
While the immediate dangers have passed, the lasting impacts of the tornadoes will resonate within the community for some time. Residents are reminded to stay informed and prioritize safety as they begin to rebuild their lives affected by this natural disaster.
The National Weather Service will continue to provide updates and monitor the situation, ensuring the community is aware of any potential threats moving forward. Local government agencies are also working to expedite assistance for those impacted across the counties.
The relentless force of nature shown by the tornadoes highlights the importance of preparedness and response, as communities continue to assess the aftermath and support one another through this recovery process.
