Emergency Disaster Response Team Provides Aid in Coles County

On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Lincoln, Illinois, issued a tornado warning for southeastern Coles and northeastern Cumberland counties. The NWS later confirmed the presence of an EF-2 tornado with max winds of 116 mph and a path length of 13.83 miles. The tornado developed about 4 miles north of Mattoon and tracked southeast through Charleston, Illinois, where the most significant damage occurred.

The Salvation Army deployed two canteens (mobile feeding units) in response the morning of June 18. The Salvation Army of Mattoon’s Corp Community Center, which serves Cumberland and Coles Counties, was active in the response, which included the provision of three meals a day, hydration, and snacks. Emotional and spiritual care was also provided in Charleston and Ashmore.

Feeding operations were supported by Eastern Illinois University (EIU), where meals were prepared and distributed to impacted communities.

The Salvation Army also provided support to a number of individuals requiring electrical assistance to power critical medical devices – helping place those individuals in hotels with power, or accommodating them at our Mattoon Corps Community Center in the immediate response.

As of Sunday, June 21, more than a dozen Salvation Army volunteers have provided 505 meals, 1,020 drinks and 900 snacks to those impacted by the storms.

In addition, severe storms and tornadoes impacted Effingham County and Jefferson County, Illinois, through the weekend, resulting in significant damage and two fatalities.  

The Salvation Army will continue to work with the County EMD and local Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) in responding to immediate needs and establishing a date to participate in Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs).

Visit salarmy.us/middisaster to support the recovery efforts.