UPDATE: This week, the National Weather Service storm survey revealed that a tornado did indeed touch down in Galva.
Officials say an EF-1 tornado, with a speed of 100 mph, a path of 16.4 miles and a width of 150 yards, left a trail of destruction from Victoria to Galva and occurred from 8:39 to 8:57 p.m.
No injuries or deaths were reported from the storm, although there was considerable tree and structure damage.
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What was likely a short blast of rain and wind around 9 p.m. Sunday left considerable damage in its wake.
According to Emergency Services & Disaster Agency (ESDA) Director Adam Jacquet, the wind blew north through parts of the area, leaving behind downed power poles and trees.
“It was likely a straight-line wind that hit us, rather than a tornado,” said Jacquet.
He noted that staff from the Henry County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) were surveying the damage and would determine what kind of storm had passed through the area.
Straight-line winds are classified as “derecho” by the US Weather Service. It is a widespread windstorm, and wind speeds can reach 100 mph.
The 2024 storm that hit the area produced gusts in the 75-90 mph range. Unlike tornadoes, which twist, derechos produce destruction in a relatively straight line over a large area. They are most common in the summertime.
While several residences in Galva experienced damage from falling trees and limbs, the Galva Cemetery lost several mature fir trees. The Galva Park District was also hit, with the baseball dugout being the largest casualty there.
Power poles were snapped West of Galva on Route 34, and litter from damaged barns was seen in the surrounding fields. Bishop Hill experienced downed trees, and large and small branches appeared on most of its streets.
Parts of both Galva and Bishop Hill were without power until around 9:30 am. Mayor Rich Volkert assessed the damage, noting that the city’s crews were hard at work cleaning up debris and making certain roads were clear and safe.
A spokesperson for Ameren Illinois said that originally the storm knocked out power for 500 customers from Galesburg to Peoria. As of mid-morning, only 63 customers still remained without power in Weller Township in Henry County. The estimated restoration time for those customers was 3:30 p.m.
Pete Vandevelde, a well-known Galva farmer, suffered damage to his buildings that sit behind Mary’s Restaurant. Siding was strewn about, and roofing was covering part of the tractors and other machinery.
Galva has had plenty of experience with wind damage. A tornado visited the town on April 19, 1996, almost 29 years to the day, uprooting homes, destroying garages, our buildings, trees, and anything in its path. Power was out for days, and a number of families were made homeless.
“I think Galva has had more than its share of extreme wind,” said Volkert, adding that “Mother Nature is stronger than we are.”
He shared his appreciation for the crews that cleared the streets and restored the power.
“And the best thing is that no one was hurt.”
In Kewanee, sirens sounded after 9 p.m. According to the Kewanee Fire Department, the sirens were activated for high winds and rotation spotted on the radar west of Kewanee.
