06/22/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2026
Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency Responds to Tornado Impact
Jefferson County, IL — The Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), in coordination with local and state emergency response partners, continues to respond to the aftermath of a tornado that touched down shortly after 5:00 p.m. in the northeastern portion of Jefferson County on June 21, 2026.
The tornado moved in a northeasterly direction, causing significant damage across the affected area. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office 911 Center received numerous emergency calls reporting destroyed homes, downed trees and power lines, and missing individuals.
Multiple agencies responded to assist with emergency operations, including Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency, City of Mt. Vernon Emergency Management Agency, Jefferson County Sheriff, Mt. Vernon Police Department, Illinois State Police, Mt. Vernon Fire Department, Jefferson Fire Protection District, Waltonville Fire Department, Woodlawn Fire Department, Webber Fire Department, Irvington Fire, Kell Fire, Litton Ambulance, United Medical Response, Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Jefferson County Coroner, Jefferson County 911 Dispatch and City of Mt. Vernon 911 Dispatch. Their coordinated efforts focused on search and rescue, medical response, and securing impacted areas.
As of 9:00 p.m. on June 21, the following impacts were confirmed:
• At least three residences were destroyed, with several others sustaining varying levels of damage.
• Two fatalities occurred as a direct result of the storm. The victims have been identified as 83-year-old Delores B. Shelton of Mt. Vernon and 62-year-old Sarita L. Kimble of Mt. Vernon.
• Five individuals were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
• At least three roadways were blocked due to significant debris and downed trees.
• Power lines were down in multiple locations; however, power has since been restored to most affected areas.
There were no additional reports of tornado activity in Jefferson County after 9:00 p.m.
Cleanup and recovery efforts are currently underway, with volunteer groups including the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief working alongside government agencies to assist residents in the impacted areas. Currently there are multiple Damage Assessment Teams actively working to survey the impacted area.
Officials advise that individuals without emergency business should continue to avoid the northeastern section of Jefferson County to allow responders and cleanup crews to work safely and efficiently.
The Jefferson County EMA extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of Delores Shelton and Sarita Kimble. We also express our sincere gratitude to all first responders, volunteers, and partner agencies for their swift and dedicated response during this tragic event.
Residents seeking assistance are encouraged to contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RedCross for more information. The Red Cross has opened a reception center at the Rolland Lewis Building, 800 S. 27th Street in Mt. Vernon for anyone needing assistance.
Direct any donation requests through Bryan Jennings at (618) 316-9303
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Contact:
Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency
Steve Lueker
County Coordinator
[email protected]
(618) 316-3072
