[LEARC] Student Journalism Inquiry: Illinois’ Unprecedented Tornado Activity in 2026

[Claire Anderson]

Dear Lamoine Emergency Amateur Radio Club,

My name is Claire Anderson, and I am a meteorology major with a minor in
broadcasting and journalism at Western Illinois University. I am currently
working on a professional journalism project examining the unusually high
number of tornadoes reported across Illinois in 2026.

For my “Number Story,” I plan to focus on the statistics behind Illinois’
record tornado year and investigate why 2026 has been so unusual from a
meteorological perspective. According to preliminary Storm Prediction
Center data reported by AccuWeather, Illinois had 243 preliminary tornado
reports as of Aug. 28, surpassing the previous U.S. state record of 229
tornadoes set by Texas in 2015. Illinois’ previous state record was 142
tornadoes in 2024. Illinois historically averages approximately 50 to 60
tornadoes per year, making this year’s activity particularly notable.

As part of my reporting, I am hoping someone from the Lamoine Emergency
Amateur Radio Club could answer a few questions about this year’s tornado
activity. Your expertise would help provide important scientific context
and ensure that the story accurately explains what these numbers mean.

If possible, I would greatly appreciate responses to the following
questions:

   1.

   Why has Illinois experienced so many tornadoes this year?
   2.

   What makes 2026 different from a typical tornado season in Illinois?
   3.

   How unusual is this record from a meteorological perspective?
   4.

   Why are we seeing such significant tornado activity in Illinois compared
   with states traditionally associated with “Tornado Alley”?
   5.

   How reliable are the current preliminary tornado numbers?
   6.

   How could the final tornado count change as reports are reviewed and
   confirmed?
   7.

   Does one unusually active tornado year tell us anything about what
   future tornado seasons could look like?
   8.

   What should Illinois residents understand about tornado preparedness,
   particularly during an unusually active year?
   9.

   What recommendations would you give college students for preparing for
   severe weather?
   10.

   What do you think people misunderstand most about tornado forecasts and
   warnings?

For the statistical portion of the story, I am planning to compare
Illinois’ 2026 preliminary tornado total with the state’s previous record
of 142 tornadoes in 2024, Illinois’ historical annual average, Texas’
previous U.S. state record of 229 tornadoes in 2015, tornado totals from
recent years, and monthly tornado totals during 2026.

The goal of the story is to help readers understand the numbers behind
Illinois’ record tornado activity while also explaining what may be
contributing to such an unusual year. I would especially value insight from
you regarding the meteorological factors involved and the reliability of
the preliminary statistics.

This project is being completed as part of my professional journalism work
at Western Illinois University. I would be happy to provide additional
information about the assignment, my reporting process or the intended
format of the story if needed.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I understand that the
Lamoine Emergency Amateur Radio Club is a busy organization, and I greatly
appreciate any time or insight you may be able to provide.

Sincerely,

Claire Anderson

Meteorology Major | Broadcasting and Journalism Minor
Western Illinois University
cm-anderson6 at wiu.edu

319-759-4160 <(319)%20759-4160>