NWS survey confirms EF-0 tornado in Lee County, IL; 70 mph winds, 0.7-mile path

Late Friday evening, a confirmed tornado touched down in Lee County, Illinois, as an active severe weather system pushed through northern Illinois overnight. The National Weather Service Chicago office (NWS LOT) conducted a post-storm damage survey and confirmed an EF-0 tornado struck at approximately 10:55 PM CDT on August 22, 2026, touching ground roughly four miles southeast of Sublette. The twister carried peak winds of approximately 70 mph, traced a path of around 0.7 miles, and reached a maximum width of around 200 yards before lifting.

The storm placed communities across Lee County — including areas near Sublette, Mendota, and Dixon — on alert as severe weather moved through the region overnight. A separate weather event in neighboring Putnam County is also under review. NWS Quad Cities (DVN) received a social media video that appeared to capture a brief tornado near Moronts in Putnam County at approximately 12:15 AM CDT on August 23, 2026. As of this writing, that Putnam County event has not yet received a formal damage survey or official EF-Scale rating from the National Weather Service.

What the National Weather Service Confirmed

The NWS Chicago office (NWS LOT) completed a damage survey and confirmed the following details about the Lee County tornado:

• Location: Approximately 4 miles southeast of Sublette, Lee County, Illinois
• Date and time: August 22, 2026, at approximately 10:55 PM CDT
• EF Scale rating: EF-0
• Peak winds: Approximately 70 mph
• Path length: Approximately 0.7 miles
• Maximum width: Approximately 200 yards

An EF-0 is the lowest classification on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, but winds in the 65–85 mph range are capable of snapping tree limbs, peeling back roof shingles, denting or displacing siding panels, damaging gutters, and lifting unsecured outdoor items. Storm damage at this intensity is real — and it often isn’t visible from the street. What appears intact from the sidewalk can have compromised shingles, dislodged flashing, or subtle structural stress that only reveals itself after the next heavy rain moves through.

Regarding the Putnam County event near Moronts, NWS Quad Cities (DVN) has the submitted video but has not yet issued a survey or rating. Residents in that area should monitor weather.gov for updates as the National Weather Service completes its assessment in the days ahead.

What Homeowners in Sublette, Mendota, Dixon, and Surrounding Lee County Should Check Now

Once daylight returns and conditions are safe, take a careful, methodical walk around your property. You don’t have to be a contractor to spot the warning signs — you just need to know where to look. If you live in or near Sublette, Mendota, Dixon, or anywhere across Lee County, work through this checklist before the next round of rain arrives:

Roof

• Missing, cracked, curled, or lifted shingles — pay close attention to ridge caps and hip edges, which face the highest wind exposure
• Bare patches or exposed roof decking where shingles have blown off entirely
• Granule accumulation in gutters or at downspout outlets, which signals shingles have lost protective surface material
• Displaced or bent flashing around chimneys, skylights, plumbing vents, and roof valleys

Siding and Exterior

• Dents, cracks, or missing panels in vinyl, aluminum, or fiber-cement siding
• Damage around window frames, door trim, soffits, and corner boards
• Chips or cracks in brick, stucco, or masonry cladding

Trees, Landscaping, and Utilities

• Hanging or broken limbs positioned over the roof, against siding, or resting on utility lines
• Uprooted trees or significant root upheaval near the foundation or fence lines
• Any downed or sagging power lines — stay well clear and call your utility provider immediately; never attempt to move or touch them

Gutters and Drainage

• Bent, detached, or sagging gutters and downspouts
• Debris blockages that could force water to pool and back up beneath roofing materials during the next rain event

Water Intrusion

• Water stains on ceilings or walls, especially in upper-floor rooms and attic spaces
• Damp insulation, musty odors, or visible moisture in the attic
• Gaps or visible daylight around window or door frames when viewed from the interior

If you’re in Putnam County near the Moronts area, the same checklist applies. Don’t wait for an official NWS survey to tell you whether your property sustained damage — inspect now and document what you find.

If You Find Damage

Safety Comes First

Do not attempt to access your roof yourself, particularly if conditions are still wet, light is limited, or you have any question about structural integrity. Keep children and pets well away from downed limbs, scattered debris, and especially any downed or compromised power lines. Report utility hazards to your provider before doing anything else on the property.

Document Before Any Repairs Begin

If you discover storm damage, photograph and video everything in detail before any repair work starts. Walk the full perimeter of the building. Capture wide establishing shots and tight close-ups of every damaged area you can safely observe. Note the date and time of the storm, and save any NWS alerts, weather notifications, or local emergency messages you received about the August 22 event. This documentation is your strongest asset when filing a homeowner’s insurance claim, and it protects you if the full scope of damage isn’t immediately visible to an adjuster.

Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly

Contact your homeowner’s insurer as soon as practical to report storm damage. Most policies require timely reporting, and delays can create complications down the road. Your insurer will assign a claim number and schedule an adjuster to inspect the property — having your documentation ready before that visit will help the process go smoothly.

Work With a Licensed Restoration Contractor

Illinois requires roofing and exterior restoration work to be performed by licensed contractors. When you engage a licensed restoration firm, you get a professional who can document the damage in thorough detail, prepare a written estimate itemizing all necessary repairs, and be present on-site when your insurance adjuster conducts the inspection — all within the legal scope of a restoration contractor’s role. Allied Emergency Services is a licensed Illinois roofing contractor (License #104.019029) and IICRC-certified restoration firm with 27 years of experience helping Midwest homeowners recover after storm events. Learn more about our storm damage restoration services.

Allied Emergency Services is a licensed restoration contractor. We document damage and perform covered repairs; we do not negotiate, settle, or adjust insurance claims on behalf of policyholders. For coverage disputes or claim questions, consult a licensed public adjuster or an attorney. This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or insurance advice.

Get a Professional Property Assessment — 24/7

If you’re in Lee County, Putnam County, or anywhere in our northern Illinois service area and you’re concerned about damage from Friday night’s tornado, don’t wait until the next rainstorm tells you what was missed. Allied Emergency Services is available around the clock to help you understand what happened to your property and what it takes to make it right.

• Call us 24/7: (800) 792-0212
• Text ESTIMATE to: (844) 907-2546

We’ll schedule a thorough on-site inspection, document every area of concern, and deliver a detailed written estimate — so you have a clear, complete picture of your property’s condition before committing to any repair. Contact Allied Emergency Services today. We’ve been here for Midwest homeowners through 27 years of storm seasons, and we’re here for you now.