06/22/2026
News Release...
Today shortly after 5pm, a tornado was reported to have touched down in the northeastern part of Jefferson County, heading in a northeasterly direction. The Sheriff’s Office 911 center began receiving multiple calls reporting damaged homes, numerous trees down, power lines down, and missing people.
The Sheriff’s Office called in extra personnel to assist the call volume, while the Mt. Vernon Police Department, Illinois State Police, Mt. Vernon Fire Department, Jefferson Fire Protection District, Waltonville Fire Department, Woodlawn Fire Department, Webber Fire Department, Irvington Fire, Kell Fire, Litton Ambulance, and United Medical Response all sent personnel to assist with search and rescue efforts in the area.
As of 9pm, Sheriff Bullard reports the following information:
3 residences completely destroyed with many others suffering damage of varying degrees
Persons were killed as a direct result of the storm in two of the destroyed residences, one in each, both single wide trailers. Two fatalities total. Their names are being withheld at this time.
5 people were transported to our two local hospitals with non-life threatening injuries.
At least 3 roads were blocked by a large amount of downed trees.
Power lines were reported down at multiple locations, but power has been restored to most locations. People who do not have emergency business in the northeast section of Jefferson County should avoid this area.
The Sheriff and his staff thank all first responders and volunteers who assisted with search and rescue efforts this evening. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of those lost in this tragic event.
