Iowa

Tornadoes reported in Illinois, Iowa as severe weather roils Midwest

Published

2 hours ago

June 18, 2026

Tornadoes reported in Illinois, Iowa as severe weather roils Midwest

Confirmed tornadoes were reported in Illinois and Iowa Wednesday night as severe weather descended on a large swath of the Midwest.

According to the National Weather Service, a confirmed tornado was reported near the small northeast Iowa community of Harpers Ferry at 5:10 p.m., while a second confirmed tornado rolled through Charleston in central Illinois at about 6:40 p.m. local time.

Both tornadoes were flagged by the weather service as a “particularly dangerous situation,” a rare designation used by the weather service for environments in which “strong and violent tornadoes” are possible.

Photos and videos obtained by CBS News showed extensive damage in Charleston, with downed trees and power lines. Hail that measured 2.75 inches was also reported in the Charleston area, according to the weather service.

“There are a large number of trees blocking roadways throughout Charleston at this time,” Charleston police said in a Facebook post. “Unless it is an absolute emergency, do not drive or attempt to go anywhere.”

The city of Charleston later declared a local state of emergency.

Damage after a tornado struck Charleston, Illinois, on June 17, 2026.

Cameron Craig

One cell phone video captured the terrifying moments what appeared to be a large tornado tore through Effingham, Illinois, located about 40 miles southwest of Charleston.

Larry Thies, coordinator for the Effingham Emergency Management Agency, told CBS News that initial information indicated damaged buildings, trailers, and downed power lines and trees. He said officials were working to set up an emergency operations center, but were facing challenges because internet was down in the area.

The extent of the damage to region was still unclear. There was no immediate word of injuries or fatalities. CBS News senior meteorologist Rob Marciano said there were at least seven reported tornadoes during the weather event.

According to utility tracker PowerOutage.us, at least 55,000 customers were without power in Illinois.

Earlier Wednesday, Marciano reported that more than 125 million Americans were facing severe weather advisories, including the Gulf Coast states, which were under flood alerts due to Tropical Storm Arthur. Speaking on “CBS Evening News,” Marciano said such ripe tornado conditions were rare for June.

“This is unique for June, this is unusual to have such a strong jet stream just screaming across the country, then you’ve got the summertime tropical moisture coming in…and then some cold air coming in,” Marciano said. “And winds coming at different direction, at different levels, creating that spin. So what that equates to is really the high probability of seeing, not just tornadoes, but intense tornadoes of EF2 strength or higher on the ground for a long time. And also damaging winds at 75 mph or higher, and of course big time hail.”

Nikki Nolan

contributed to this report.

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Related Topics:Featured midwest tornado weather forecast

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Iowa

From Juneteenth to Pride, four weekend events happening in Iowa City

Published

12 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Press Room

From Juneteenth to Pride, four weekend events happening in Iowa City

It is a busy weekend in Iowa City as summer officially begins on Sunday. From Iowa City Pride and Juneteenth celebrations, there is no shortage of activity happening around town.

Here are four events to check out.

Enter the whimsical world of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at Lower City Park

Thursday to Sunday: Riverside Theatre’s summer tradition, Shakespeare in the Park, has returned to Lower City Park. Catch a free performance of William Shakespeare’s iconic comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” that follows the chaotic events of four entangled lovers and a troupe of actors wandering into a mystical forest. All of the free shows through the weekend start at 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate Juneteenth with live entertainment and community

Friday: The Black Voices Project and Dream City are teaming up to host the community-wide Juneteenth Celebration. At 1 p.m. Friday, June 19, at the South District Market Parking lot, enjoy live music from Kevin Burt, along with community presentations, activities for all ages, and a fashion showcase.

Show your pride at Iowa City Pride events

Saturday: Iowa City Pride is back for the 56th year. Principal events, the Pride Parade and Pride Festival, will start at noon on Saturday, June 20. The festival will be on the Ped Mall, and the parade will begin at College Green Park, working its way downtown along Iowa Avenue and East Washington Street. The festival runs from 12 to 9 p.m.

Catch a romantic comedy under the stars at FilmScene in the Park

Saturday: FilmScene in the Park returns at 9:15 p.m., Saturday, June 20, with a screening of the cult classic “13 Going on 30″ at Chauncey Swan Park. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Concessions, including beer and wine, will be available 30 minutes before the film begins.

Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @rishjessica_

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Iowa

Iowa Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 Midday results for June 16, 2026

Published

23 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Press Room

The Iowa Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big with rewards ranging from $1,000 to millions. The most an Iowan has ever won from playing the lottery was $343 million in 2018 off the Powerball.

Don’t miss out on the winnings. Here’s a look at Tuesday, June 16, 2026, winning numbers for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from June 16 drawing

12-20-53-67-70, Mega Ball: 12

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick-3 numbers from June 16 drawing

Midday: 4-2-6

Evening: 0-8-5

Check Pick-3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick-4 numbers from June 16 drawing

Midday: 1-5-4-3

Evening: 2-8-3-9

Check Pick-4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from June 16 drawing

01-13-21-40-57, Bonus: 01

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Iowa Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 3 (Day): 12:20 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 3 (Evening): 10:00 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 4 (Day): 12:20 p.m. CT daily.
Pick 4 (Evening): 10:00 p.m. CT daily.
Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Iowa editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Iowa

At least 7 tornadoes hit Iowa June 11 as storms swept across Midwest

Published

1 day ago

June 16, 2026

Press Room

At least 7 tornadoes hit Iowa June 11 as storms swept across Midwest

It was an active day for severe weather on Thursday, June 11, in Iowa, with at least seven confirmed tornadoes statewide.

Meteorologists with the National Weather Service have been surveying storm damage and weather data to confirm more than a half-dozen tornadoes that hit the state. The majority of the tornadoes were rated EF-1, with two producing winds up to 110 mph.

Here’s a roundup of all the confirmed tornado reports from June 11.

Confirmed tornadoes in Iowa on June 11

There were at least 7 confirmed touchdowns in Iowa on June 11.

No injuries or fatalities were reported from any of the tornadoes. Most of the tornadoes occurred between about 5:30 and 6:30 a.m. and were concentrated in southwest Iowa.

5:29 a.m. An EF-1 tornado with estimated peak winds of 110 mph touched down near Thurman in Fremont County, just east of the Missouri River. The tornado tracked 1.5 miles, was 30 yards wide and ended after crossing Interstate 29 at 5:31 a.m., where a home lost most of its roof and trees were damaged, according to the National Weather Service in Omaha.
5:33 a.m. The NWS confirmed an EF-0 tornado with estimated peak winds of 65 mph touched down north of Tabor in Fremont County. The 20-yard-wide tornado traveled 1.7 miles, damaged a few trees near and ended at 5:35 a.m.
5:58 a.m. An EF-1 tornado with estimated peak winds of 90 mph touched down just east of Coburg in Montgomery County. The tornado tracked just over 7 miles and was up to 100 yards wide, damaging trees and farm outbuildings before ending at 6:08 a.m., according to the NWS.
6:08 a.m. An EF-1 tornado with estimated peak winds of 105 mph formed east of Stanton in Montgomery County. The tornado traveled 5.2 miles, was 75 yards wide and caused extensive damage, including uprooting trees around Viking Lake, causing minor damage to homes, collapsing an outbuilding and downing power lines. The tornado also “lofted grain bins from over a mile away into the interchange of Highway 71 and Highway 34,” according to the NWS. It ended at 6:16 a.m.
6:11 a.m. Also in Montgomery County, an EF-1 tornado with estimated peak winds of 90 mph developed south of Villisca. The 50‑yard‑wide tornado traveled 1.9 miles, damaging trees, a farm outbuilding and a carport before ending near the county line at 6:13 a.m., according to the NWS
6:26 a.m. An EF-2 tornado with estimated peak winds of 115 mph was confirmed in Adams County. The tornado traveled 6 miles, was up to 200 yards wide and ended at 6:32 a.m.

At around 4:05 p.m. on June 11, a brief tornado occurred near Ainsworth in Washington County, according to the NWS Quad Cities office. No damage was reported, and the tornado’s strength was not reported.

What’s the forecast in Des Moines?

Central Iowa faces a late-night start to severe weather Tuesday, June 16, followed by multiple rounds of storms Wednesday, June 17, including the potential for large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. Wednesday, according to the NWS. The high in Des Moines will reach around 87 degrees, with temperatures dropping to near 60 overnight. Wind gusts could reach as high as 38 mph.

Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.

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