The tornado crossed I-74, where it strengthened to an EF3; some homes suffered severe damage north of the interstate, fluctuating between EF2 and EF3 strength as it passed near East Peoria.

[1] As models gained a more accurate consensus, the SPC later anticipated substantial increase in atmospheric instability along the periphery of a potential cold front, indicating the risk of damaging wind gusts and tornadoes.

[2] Additional confidence over the next 24 hours resulted in a substantial expanding of this risk area into the lower Great Lakes on November 14, valid for Day 4.

The overlap of increasing moisture in the atmosphere, wind shear, and high levels of CAPE were expected to contribute to the possible severe weather.

Model data indicated the weakening of the capping inversion coinciding with increasing instability and wind shear, which would lead to the enhanced potential for storms and tornadoes as the night progressed and the low-level jet strengthened.

The issuance of a high-risk zone reflected the anticipation of an intense upper-level trough and a strong mid-level jet stream producing highly conducive conditions for the development and prolonging of severe weather.

After crossing the road, the tornado quickly intensified to high-end EF1 strength, uprooting multiple trees and causing the bedroom walls of a home to collapse due to flying debris from a roof, compromising the structure.

The tornado abruptly intensified to high-end EF2 strength, snapping power poles and causing significant roof damage to homes on Marla Street.

The tornado slightly weakened to mid-range EF2 intensity, with estimated wind speeds up to 120 mph (190 km/h), snapping power poles and continuing to cause significant roof damage to homes along Pinecrest Drive.

[11][9] Soon, the tornado significantly weakened to mid-range EF2 strength, continuing to uproot trees and strip away roofs from homes along Pleasant Hill Road before quickly strengthening to high-end EF2 intensity as a trailer was destroyed.

A car was rolled into a home along Veterans Road, and significant roof damage was noted as the tornado continued to snap trees.

The tornado rapidly intensified to low-end EF4 strength as it entered the city of Washington, leveling and partially sweeping away a couple of homes along English Oak St in the Woodridge Trace subdivision at 170 mph (270 km/h).

An Advance Auto Parts store alongside Washington Road was leveled by the tornado; multiple employees were inside when the building was flattened, but no one was injured.

[29] On Fayette Avenue, the tornado caused destructive damage to numerous homes at EF4 intensity, killing an 82-year-old woman who initially survived but died from her injuries a week later.

[33] Entering Devonshire Estates, the tornado maintained high-end EF4 intensity, leveling or sweeping away another row of homes on Coventry Drive while traveling northeast at around 65 miles per hour (105 km/h).

Around the same time, at 11:07 am CDT, a debris ball appeared on Doppler radar north of Washington accompanied by an intense velocity couplet.

[34] The tornado continued to travel northeast, leveling or sweeping away more homes from their foundations before leaving the city proper of Washington after crossing W Cruger Road.

[11] The tornado scattered debris over the farmlands north of the road and carved deep spirals into the soils called cycloidal marks.

Around this time, the National Weather Service issued another particularly dangerous situation tornado warning for northeast Tazewell, most of Woodford and the southern fringes of Marshall counties at 11:12 am CDT.

A poorly constructed home was swept away, the station wagon in the garage was lofted and dropped into the basement, and a nearby free-standing pole collapsed.

Cars were displaced, a cell tower was completely crumpled, and trees and power poles were snapped along Base Road before the tornado left Woodford county.

[38] South of Long Point, the tornado restrengthened back to EF2 intensity, demolishing several outbuildings and snapping numerous power poles.

[47] On December 5, the Mayor of Washington, Illinois, Gary Manier, revealed that the city had an estimated 47% loss in property tax value due to the thousands of homes damaged or destroyed by the tornado.

[53] The Illinois National Guard dispatched ten firefighters and three vehicles to assist in searching for survivors from the tornado, with reports about people being trapped under rubble.

[56] Ten 182nd Airlift Wing firefighters from the Illinois Air National Guard were dispatched to the city, searching through a total of 36 leveled structures, clearing debris, and shutting off six gas lines.

[61] The Salvation Army donated over 20,000 supplies to communities in Central Illinois and Eastern Iowa, and over 100 people received emotional and spiritual care.

[62] Over 500 volunteers from All Hands and Hearts visited Washington, Illinois to help with debris removal despite the cold temperature from November to December 2013.

[72] On December 19, 2013, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency requested $6.1 million in federal assistance for the local governments and electrical cooperative in the nine counties that were affected by the tornadoes of November 17.

[73][74] On February 6, 2014, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency appealed the denial of aid, citing $21.4 million in disaster-related expenses for the local governments in the nine counties that it believed were eligible for 75% reimbursements.

"FEMA told Manier and other state officials that debris cleanup occurring beyond three days after the tornado would not be paid for by the federal government.