After conducting a brief preliminary damage survey in Washington, Illinois, the National Weather Service rated the tornado that struck that town an EF-4.
The Enhanced Fujita Scale, or EF Scale, classifies tornadoes from EF-0 (weakest) to EF-5 (strongest). An EF-4 tornado is considered violent with wind speeds 166 to 200 miles per hour.
In a preliminary report posted online, the NWS indicated the estimated peak wind during the Washington tornado was 170 to 190 miles per hour.
The NWS also clarified there was one fatality confirmed in the town of Washington, Illinois. There were two fatalities in New Minden, Illinois which is in Washington County.
The National Weather Service reported there were an estimated 75 people injured as a result of the storm in Washington.
Related: Illinois tornado victims identified
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