Watch: Terrifying Illinois Twister Forms on Camera

On the afternoon of May 16, 2025 a Marion, Illinois man captured the start of what would become an EF-4 tornado right in his hometown. His drone revealed the terrifying beginning of a twister that would eventually do big damage and injure 7.

Cody Hutchinson launched his drone just in time to catch the start of the devastating EF-4 twister that would go on to cause so much damage to Marion, Illinois. Cody said this passed within 2 miles of his home in his video description. His videos have now gone viral on TikTok.

@codyhutchinson6 The beginning of a devastating evening for many of us in Southern IL. This was when it was forming! Check my other video to see it after it nailed our Federal Prison! Many homes leveled as this EF-4 barreled through neighborhoods for 15 miles😢 🙏🏻 Captured with my DJI drone! @DJI Official #fyp #fypシ #weather #tornado #foryoupage #Foryou #sad #prayers ♬ original sound - Cody Hutchinson

@codyhutchinson6 Coolest video to date that I just got of the tornado cruising through about 2 miles away from me! #fyp #fypシ #foryoupage #tornado #viral ♬ Storm Coming - Once Monsters

What did the National Weather Service say about this EF-4 tornado in Marion, Illinois?

The storm damage survey team from the National Weather Service states that this tornado formed in the early evening hours of May 16, 2025 in southern Williamson County, Illinois and strengthened quickly. According to their data, there were 7 injuries caused by the twister along its more than 16 mile damage path.

Cody wasn't the only person who captured video of the Marion, Illinois tornado. This chaser has video that shows the storm forming from ground level.

So far in 2025, Illinois has already been impacted by 104 twisters and spring isn't even over yet.