Severe storms rolled into Southern Illinois on April 2, bringing dark clouds, heavy winds and the start of a multi-day stretch of dangerous weather. Meteorologists forecasted widespread rainfall, with totals expected to reach between 6 and 12 inches through Sunday, April 6.

The storms caused notable damage across the region. In Carbondale, a police officer responded to a hanging traffic light at the intersection of East Main Street and Giant City Road, a result of the high winds. The National Weather Service also confirmed an EF1 tornado in Southern Illinois during the same period.

The severe weather was part of a broader system affecting several states across the Midwest and South, leading to tornadoes, flash flooding and widespread destruction. In Kentucky, more than 500 roads were closed due to flooding and mudslides, and downtown Hopkinsville was submerged. The National Weather Service issued more than 300 tornado warnings during the outbreak.