The National Weather Service (NWS) in Paducah, Kentucky, has released an updated damage survey confirming that an EF1 tornado briefly touched down in Massac County, Illinois, during the evening of Saturday, June 27, 2026.

Tornado Fast Facts:

• Rating: EF1

• Estimated Peak Wind: 93 mph

• Path Length: 1.53 miles

• Maximum Path Width: 75 yards

• Fatalities/Injuries: 0

Timeline and Tracking

The tornado touched down at 6:14 PM CDT on June 27, approximately 1 mile northwest of Brookport. It remained on the ground for two minutes, traveling east-northeast before lifting at 6:16 PM CDT about 1 mile north-northeast of Brookport.

Survey Summary and Damage Report

According to NWS survey teams, the tornado initialed touchdown along Strawberry Road, where it snapped several tree trunks and caused damage to the front awning of a residential home. The storm continued its eastward path, crossing Highway 45 and snapping another tree along Pell Road before lifting into the atmosphere.

A new Illinois law taking effect next week offers a flexible new credentialing path for school transportation providers across the state.

Under House Bill 2962, which officially goes into effect on July 1, 2026, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office is authorized to issue an alternative school bus permit specifically tailored for drivers operating smaller transit vehicles.

The new permit structure focuses on two specific classes of student transportation:

• First Division Vehicles: Vehicles designed to carry 10 or fewer passengers.

• Multifunction School Activity Buses (MFSAB): Vehicles configured to transport up to 15 passengers.

This newly created permit option is strictly designated for drivers transporting students to and from curriculum-related activities. By streamlining the permit process for smaller, lower-capacity vehicles, the legislation aims to give school districts greater operational flexibility when scheduling field trips, specialized classes, and smaller student group outings without requiring a traditional, full-scale commercial school bus license for every driver.