Powerful winds and reported tornadoes rip through the Midwest, leaving heavy damage but no deaths

Associated Press

Published: April 18, 2026 at 9:08 AM

1 / 3

Damage from a major storm in Lena, Illinois, is shown on Friday, April 17, 2026 in Lena, Ill. (Rachel Nemon via AP)

Sparks fly from a utility pole damage from a major storm in Lena, Ill., on Friday, April 17, 2026 in Lena, Ill. (Rachel Nemon via AP)

Damage from a major storm in Lena, Illinois, is shown on Friday, April 17, 2026 in Lena, Ill. (Rachel Nemon via AP)