Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
For those living or storm observing in Central Illinois on April 20, 2004, this was a "surprise" tornado outbreak that transpired in the mid to late afternoon through early evening into portions of Western Indiana. 20 tornadoes occurred on this day across primarily north central Illinois and west/northwest Indiana. Jerry Funfsinn, a local resident, storm spotter and chaser documented several of the significant and unfortunately deadly tornadoes that swept through Granville and Utica, Illinois. Eight individuals died when the tornado struck a bar and grill in downtown Utica.
There was a slight risk in place with potential for low topped supercell thunderstorms along and near a warm front that was situated south of I-80. It wasn't clear on how the day would evolve synoptically until tornadoes were reported by area spotters. No tornado watch was in place when the first tornado reports began and the Storm Prediction Center quickly issued a watch for the rest of the evening ahead of the tornadoes showcased in this video. The day was described as "high sheer and low cape".
This video is excellent spotter training material for the evolution of low topped supercells and significant tornadoes, certainly in Illinois. Thankfully there has not been a day quite like this since, but even by 2004 standards, meteorologists and the public could still be caught unaware until tornadoes were actively occurring.
Videography © 2004 Jerry Funfsinn, All Rights Reserved.
For those living or storm observing in Central Illinois on April 20, 2004, this was a "surprise" tornado outbreak that transpired in the mid to late afternoon through early evening into portions of Western Indiana. 20 tornadoes occurred on this day across primarily north central Illinois and west/northwest Indiana. Jerry Funfsinn, a local resident, storm spotter and chaser documented several of the significant and unfortunately deadly tornadoes that swept through Granville and Utica, Illinois. Eight individuals died when the tornado struck a bar and grill in downtown Utica.
There was a slight risk in place with potential for low topped supercell thunderstorms along and near a warm front that was situated south of I-80. It wasn't clear on how the day would evolve synoptically until tornadoes were reported by area spotters. No tornado watch was in place when the first tornado reports began and the Storm Prediction Center quickly issued a watch for the rest of the evening ahead of the tornadoes showcased in this video. The day was described as "high sheer and low cape".
This video is excellent spotter training material for the evolution of low topped supercells and significant tornadoes, certainly in Illinois. Thankfully there has not been a day quite like this since, but even by 2004 standards, meteorologists and the public could still be caught unaware until tornadoes were actively occurring.
Videography © 2004 Jerry Funfsinn, All Rights Reserved.
