Published on June 17, 2026 10:47 pm
Last Updated on June 18, 2026 6:25 am
(THANKS TO KERRY HIRTZEL FOR THIS PHOTO OF THE TORNADO THAT VISITED THE SHUMWAY AREA AROUND 8PM WEDNESDAY)
Effingham County and the Effingham area were visited by powerful storms Wednesday night.
The first storm visited the area around 8pm and the second one around 9:15pm. The first storm contained a confirmed tornado that visited Shumway and the Montrose area, but homes and businesses were damaged throughout the area.
Thankfully, there were no reports of any serious injuries.
Emergency services and law enforcement personnel were out in the area, checking damage reports and double checking as to the welfare of those who suffered storm damage.
Effingham Fire Department Chief Brant Yochum said the Effingham Fire Department responded to numerous storm-related emergencies, primarily in the Shumway and Sigel areas, while numerous other agencies throughout Effingham County simultaneously managed incidents within their jurisdictions and provided assistance where needed. Crews responded to reports of heavily damaged homes, collapsed structures, motor vehicle crashes, downed power lines, gas leaks, blocked roadways, and other hazardous conditions resulting from the storm. Firefighters conducted searches of damaged structures, assisted residents, mitigated immediate hazards, and worked closely with utility companies and other responding agencies to ensure public safety. Several individuals sustained minor injuries within the Effingham Fire Department’s response area; however, no life-threatening injuries were reported in the areas served by Effingham Fire Department crews. Yochum was also thankful to report that no Effingham Fire Department personnel were injured during response operations. He said this incident required a coordinated response from numerous agencies across Effingham County and highlighted the importance of preparedness, training, and regional cooperation. At the height of the incident, multiple fire, EMS, law enforcement, and utility crews were operating throughout the affected area. The Effingham Fire Department extends its appreciation to all fire departments, law enforcement agencies, EMS providers, emergency management personnel, utility crews, public works employees, and volunteers who assisted throughout the evening. The chief said, “Our thoughts are with the residents and property owners impacted by this storm. Damage assessments and recovery efforts are ongoing. Residents are urged to use caution around damaged structures, downed power lines, and debris fields and to report hazardous conditions to local authorities.”
Anyone who needs assistance due to damage and lives in rural parts of Effingham County can contact County EMA Director Pam Jacobs at 217-500-9612. Anyone in the city of Effingham who needs assistance can contact City EMA Director Larry Thies at City Hall.
We have received reports of significant storm damage in Charleston, particularly in the area near Coles County Fairgrounds. Eastern Illinois University is closed today due to the storm damage.
We have videos and photos of damage from the storms online and on our Facebook page.
