2026 has already set a record for number of tornadoes in Illinois with over 150 confirmed events, including several severe EF-2s or higher.
It’s part of a four-year upwards trend that experts say is mostly normal weather variation but could be part of long-term severe weather increases related to climate change.
Simultaneously, analysis of federal disaster assistance shows Democratic-led states like Illinois are receiving less funds, placing more strain on local and state governments.