Rare December Tornadoes Strike Central Illinois; Four Shot in River North

A powerful storm system that spawned rare December tornadoes across central Illinois caused significant damage and travel disruptions throughout the Chicago area Sunday, capping one of the most unusual winters in recent memory.

The National Weather Service confirmed six tornadoes touched down across the agency’s Chicago forecast area, including EF-1 twisters in Livingston and Iroquois counties that damaged homes and knocked down power lines. It was only the sixth time December tornadoes have been officially recorded in the region.

“This is extremely unusual,” said NWS meteorologist Greg Mercer. “We had to go back through decades of records to find comparable events. December tornadoes are not unheard of, but they’re rare enough that most people will never see one.”

The Macon County Sheriff’s Office reported up to a dozen homes destroyed in Long Creek, east of Springfield, where residents described scenes of devastation.

“The roof just ripped right off,” said Long Creek resident Tom Henderson, surveying the damage to his family’s farmhouse. “We were in the basement when we heard it coming. Sounded like a freight train.”

Travel Chaos at Airports

The severe weather brought high winds, dense fog, and heavy rain to the Chicago area, causing massive delays at both O’Hare and Midway airports. More than 300 flights were canceled Sunday, and hundreds more experienced delays of two hours or longer.

Airlines struggled to recover from the disruptions into Monday morning, with passengers stranded at gates and baggage claims backing up.

“I’ve been here since yesterday afternoon,” said traveler Karen Mitchell of Milwaukee, waiting at O’Hare for a rescheduled flight to Phoenix. “They keep telling us the weather is improving, but nothing’s moving.”

The CTA and Metra reported only minor weather-related delays, though several bus routes were detoured due to flooding in low-lying areas.

Violence Mars Holiday Weekend

The storm wasn’t the only source of tragedy Sunday. Four people were shot, one fatally, in Chicago’s River North neighborhood in the early morning hours, police said.

The shooting occurred around 2:35 a.m. in the 400 block of North La Salle Drive. According to police, a group was standing outside a nightclub when an unknown assailant opened fire. A 28-year-old man was pronounced dead at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Three others—two men and one woman, all in their 20s—were listed in critical condition.

No arrests have been made, and Area Three detectives are investigating. Police released surveillance images of two individuals they believe may have information about the shooting.

“This senseless violence has no place in our city,” said Police Superintendent Larry Snelling. “We will find those responsible and hold them accountable.”

The incident marred what had been a relatively peaceful holiday weekend. Through Saturday, the city had recorded no homicides since Christmas Day, a rare respite from the gun violence that has plagued Chicago for years.

Additional Shooting at Auburn Gresham

In a separate incident, shots were fired outside St. Sabina Church in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood Sunday evening, leaving three men wounded. Police said the shooting occurred during the church’s adult basketball league, though the exact circumstances remain under investigation.

Father Michael Pfleger, the church’s longtime pastor, condemned the violence.

“We will not be intimidated,” Pfleger said in a statement. “St. Sabina has stood as a beacon of hope in this community for decades. Gun violence will not silence us.”

All three victims were expected to survive.

Looking Ahead

The bizarre weather pattern that has defined the winter of 2025-26 shows no signs of abating. After record early-season snowfall and this weekend’s December tornadoes, forecasters say more unusual conditions may be in store.

“The jet stream is in a very active pattern,” said NWS meteorologist Amy Seeley. “We could see additional severe weather, heavy snow, or both as we head into January. This is shaping up to be a winter people will talk about for a long time.”

For a city that prides itself on weathering whatever nature throws its way, the challenges keep coming. But Chicago has survived worse, and will survive this too.

The new year is just days away. Whatever 2026 brings, Chicago will be ready.