Sesser-area historical tornado activity is near Illinois state average. It is 96% greater than the overall U.S. average.

On 12/18/1957, a category 5 (max. wind speeds 261-318 mph) tornado 6.9 miles away from the Sesser city center killed one person and injured 6 people and caused between $50,000 and $500,000 in damages.

On 12/18/1957, a category 4 (max. wind speeds 207-260 mph) tornado 13.2 miles away from the city center killed one person and injured 45 people and caused between $500,000 and $5,000,000 in damages.