Tornado History: Rochelle and Fairdale, Illinois EF-4 tornado 

HEADER PHOTO CREDIT: JODI MAIR

On this day in 2015, a deadly EF-4 tornado with estimated peak wind speeds of 200 miles per hour (mph) passed near Rochelle and struck Fairdale, Illinois. 

The length of this tornado’s path was just over 30 miles, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Chicago. 

According to the NWS in Chicago, the width of this tornado’s path was 700 yards. Sadly, the tornado killed 2 people and injured 22 people.

The Rochelle and Fairdale tornado was the strongest northern Illinois tornado in 25 years.

Rochelle

FAIRDALE

11 tornadoes, including the Rochelle and Fairdale tornado, occurred on the 9th April, 2015 in northern and central Illinois. Find out more here.

RELATED: Tornado Talk – April 9th (on this day)

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