During the afternoon of June 29, 2023 a line of severe storms rolled through Central Illinois bringing destructive straight-line winds and a few tornadoes to the area. This storm hit the Pana area hard around 1:00 PM causing significant tree damage to the area.
Lets take a look at timeline of events.
10:33 AM: The SPC/NWS issued a severe thunderstorm watch for large hail and damaging winds in excess of 80 mph.
12:10 PM: Severe thunderstorm Warning issued for much of Christian County, but does not include the far Southeast corner including the Pana area. Warning for 70 mph and tornado possible tag.
12:19 PM: Tornado warning issued for Central Christian County, but does not include Pana . Reports of tornado near Taylorville.
12:20 PM: The SPC upgraded much of Central Illinois to a MODERATE RISK (Level 4 of 5) for strong damaging winds capable of exceeding 80 mph. At this time a intense line of storms is pushing through Western IL.
12:32 PM: Tornado warning issued for Pana until 1:00 PM. This is radar indicated, but the storm has history of producing a tornado downstream.
12:48 PM: The line of storms move into Pana with severe thunderstorm warning in place.
1:20 PM: Severe threat ends as line of storms pushes out of the area. Widespread power outage and tree damage reported throughout Pana, but the heaviest damage was on the North and Northwest side of Pana.
Storm reports from the Derecho
