A fast-moving storm system included an EF-1 tornado that was on the ground for about five minutes south of Atkinson, Illinois. It was part of storms that moved through the Quad Cities and surrounding areas Tuesday morning, May 26, 2015.
The tornado covered a path about 50 yards wide, and it was on the ground for nearly four miles just before 10 a.m. It was rated as an EF-1 on the advanced Fujita Scale, indicating sustained wind speeds between 86 and 110 miles per hour. Meteorological survey teams from the Quad Cities estimated wind speeds from the tornado were nearly 100 miles per hour according to the Henry County Emergency Management Agency.
The tornado formed so quickly, the National Weather Service stated they didn't have time to issue a tornado warning.
"By the time you would get a warning out, the tornado had already weakened," said Ray Wolf, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service located in Davenport.
Wolf added the "rare event" happens about once every 10 years in the Quad City Area.
A preliminary report The National Weather Service indicated damage was mainly "to trees and farm outbuildings."
Randy Sears was working in his shop at the farm when the tornado ripped through his barn.
"One of the guys I work with said, 'Boy, the wind is really picking up.' And by the time we closed the main door to the shop, we were trying to decide where we were going to hide," Sears recalled.
The barn Sears' grandpa built years ago took the brunt of the damage. The 14-by-14 foot roll-up door was destroyed, rafters were torn from the ceiling and it all happened within seconds, Sears said.
The farmer, who has 600 head of cattle, said he's thankful there was no damage to life or livestock.
Down the street at Dennis Diehl's property, his barn, which houses two horses, lies in shambles. One of his horses suffered minor injures, but that was about the worst of the damage, Diehl explained.
Telephone service was interrupted in several areas. Electrical service was restored and residents were allowed to return to their homes by 9 p.m. Tuesday.
No injuries were reported.