Published on June 22, 2026 2:14 pm
Last Updated on June 22, 2026 2:54 pm
THE TORNADO AT TEXICO (photo courtesy of Jason Franke)
The most severe weather on Sunday occurred south of the Effingham area.
Jefferson Fire officials say two people have died and five others were injured when a tornado moved through a rural area northeast of Texico. There was heavy damage to two mobile homes and a third residence, all in a line that stretched for about three-quarters of a mile. One female victim was found in the debris field outside her mobile home. The second was found inside the remains of her mobile home. Both were pronounced dead on the scene by Jefferson County Coroner Roger Hayse. They have been identified as Dolores B. Shelton, 83, and Sarita L. Kimble, 62.
Preliminary information indicates that three of the five injured were trying to assist the female occupant of one of the homes in getting out when the storm hit. The three were all transported by ambulance to Mt. Vernon Hospitals. Another person was being taken by private vehicle to a hospital when a Jefferson Fire fireman headed back to the scene located them. A Mt. Vernon Police officer escorted the vehicle the rest of the way to Crossroads Hospital.
In addition to the three homes destroyed, Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Bullard says numerous other homes received damage. He reported at least 3 roads were blocked by a large amount of downed trees. Power lines were reported down at multiple locations, but power has been restored at most of them. Bullard says people who do not have emergency business in the northeast section of Jefferson County should avoid this area.
The Sheriff and his staff are thanking all first responders and volunteers who assisted with search-and-rescue efforts on Sunday evening. He says the department sends our heartfelt condolences to the families of those lost in this tragic event.
A tornado warning was in effect for the area when the storm hit at about 5:15 pm.
Multiple tornado warnings were issued late Sunday afternoon. Several were in Marion County. A tornado touched down east of Kinmundy near Forbes State Park. Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps watched the tornado as it formed and then touched down briefly several times before going back into the air.
The heaviest damage appeared to be along the Meachum Road north of Kinlou Road. One property owner had an outbuilding blow completely away. Powerlines and trees were down at a house in the next block. A window was also knocked out. The downed power lines blocked traffic on Meachum and Forbes Roads until the trees could be removed. The Kinmundy-Alma Fire Department was called out to assist in the cleanup.
There were several other reports of brief tornado touchdowns, but there were no immediate reports of any other damage. The storm also dumped medium-sized hail in some locations. In other locations, flooding rain was the problem.
