Eight tornadoes were confirmed across the region Thursday, marking a rare February outbreak. According to historical records dating back to 1950, only 12 tornadoes had previously been recorded in the area during the month of February, and never more than two in a single day. Thursday’s storms marked the first documented February “tornado outbreak” locally, defined as six or more tornadoes in one event. The strongest storm was an EF-2 tornado in Indiana, the most powerful February tornado recorded in the area in 67 years. Confirmed tornadoes were reported in Monroe and Sullivan counties in Indiana, as well as Crawford, Effingham, and Jasper counties in Illinois.
