Weather
Large and destructive tornado touchdown in Marion, Illinois
MARION, IL — A destructive tornado has been confirmed on the ground just south of Marion in southern Illinois, prompting urgent warnings from meteorologists and emergency officials.
A clearly defined debris ball has been observed on radar reflectivity, indicating that the tornado is actively causing damage and picking up debris.
The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning in effect until 7:00 p.m. for Williamson County and eastern Jackson County, including the communities of Marion, Carbondale, Carterville, Crab Orchard, and Creal Springs.
Radar has indicated strong rotation and confirmed a large tornado on the ground, making this a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS).
In addition to the tornado threat, the storm is producing hail up to 2 inches in diameter, adding to the severe risk facing residents in the area.
Residents in the warned areas are strongly urged to seek shelter immediately in a basement or interior room away from windows.
This storm is extremely dangerous and capable of causing life-threatening damage.
The situation remains fluid as the storm moves rapidly across the region.
Emergency management and storm spotters are monitoring conditions closely, and additional warnings may be issued if the storm continues to track eastward.
Stay tuned to local news, weather radio, and trusted emergency sources for real-time updates.
Do not delay—take cover now if you are in the path of this storm.
POINT COMFORT, Texas — Powerful thunderstorms swept across parts of the Texas Gulf Coast, producing extreme wind gusts that caused significant destruction in Point Comfort and surrounding areas, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
A WeatherFlow HurrNet station recorded a peak wind gust of 119 miles per hour in Point Comfort, indicating a highly destructive wind event—likely a downburst associated with a line of severe thunderstorms that moved through the region.
Nearby communities also experienced intense conditions, with wind gusts reaching 77 mph in Palacios, Texas.
Widespread Storm Damage Reported
Preliminary reports indicate extensive damage stretching from near Coleto Creek Reservoir southeast through Point Comfort and toward Port O’Connor.
Residents and storm observers described scenes of severe impact consistent with extreme straight-line winds.
Reported damage includes:
- Downed power lines and widespread power outages across Point Comfort
- Large transmission towers toppled or severely damaged
- Trees uprooted or snapped at the base, with some falling onto homes
- Metal structures and roofing materials torn from buildings
- Vehicles, including trucks and boats, overturned by strong winds
- Billboards destroyed and outdoor infrastructure heavily damaged
One eyewitness described winds “easily exceeding 100 mph,” noting that debris, including large pieces of metal, was ripped from nearby buildings.
Additional reports suggest that a semi-truck parked at an industrial site was flipped, further underscoring the intensity of the wind event.
Possible Downburst Under Investigation
Meteorologists believe the damage pattern is consistent with a downburst, a powerful column of sinking air that spreads outward upon reaching the ground, producing intense and localized wind damage.
However, the National Weather Service has confirmed that a formal damage survey will be conducted to determine the exact cause.
Community Urged to Share Information
Officials are asking residents to submit photos, videos, and damage reports, including locations and estimated times, to assist with the ongoing assessment.
This information will help meteorologists better understand the storm’s impact and confirm whether the event was solely caused by straight-line winds or involved additional severe weather factors.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Emergency crews and utility workers are actively responding to restore power and clear debris as residents begin recovery efforts.
Authorities continue to urge caution in affected areas due to downed lines, unstable structures, and hazardous debris.
This severe weather event highlights the destructive potential of fast-moving thunderstorm systems and the importance of staying alert during rapidly changing weather conditions.