Confirmed Tornado and Severe Storms Cause Widespread Damage in Effingham County

A series of powerful storms struck Effingham County on Wednesday evening, June 17, 2026, causing significant damage across the region. The first storm arrived around 8pm and contained a confirmed tornado that affected the Shumway and Montrose areas, with damage extending throughout the county. A second storm followed approximately 75 minutes later at 9:15pm, compounding the destruction. Emergency responders reported damage to homes and businesses across multiple jurisdictions, with crews responding to collapsed structures, motor vehicle crashes, downed power lines, gas leaks, and blocked roadways.

Effingham Fire Department Chief Brant Yochum coordinated an extensive emergency response involving multiple fire departments, law enforcement agencies, EMS providers, emergency management personnel, utility crews, and public works employees. At the height of the incident, numerous agencies operated simultaneously across the affected areas, with the Effingham Fire Department responding to numerous emergencies primarily in the Shumway and Siegel areas. Firefighters conducted searches of damaged structures, assisted residents, and worked closely with utility companies to mitigate hazards and ensure public safety.

Casualty reports remained limited, with several individuals sustaining only minor injuries in the Effingham Fire Department's response area as of the initial report. No life-threatening injuries were reported in areas served by Effingham Fire Department crews, and no department personnel were injured during response operations. Damage assessments and recovery efforts continued into the following day.

Effingham Fire Chief Yochum emphasized the coordinated nature of the response and praised the cooperation among agencies: "This incident required a coordinated response from numerous agencies across Effingham County and highlighted the importance of preparedness, training, and regional cooperation." He urged residents to exercise caution around damaged structures, downed power lines, and debris fields, and to report hazardous conditions to local authorities.

Residents requiring assistance were directed to contact appropriate emergency management officials: County EMA Director Pam Jacobs at 217-500-9612 for rural county residents, or City EMA Director Larry Thies at Effingham City Hall for city residents.