Severe Weather Alert: Tornado Watch in Effect for Illinois and Indiana
A Tornado Watch is officially in effect for counties across Illinois and Indiana. Severe storms are slated to hit the region this afternoon with damaging wind gusts, tornadoes, and hail all possible hazards.
(LIVE Radar above)
The Tornado Watch is in effect until 9 p.m. for dozens of Illinois counties such as Grundy, Kendall, Kankakee, La Salle, and Will. Indiana counties that are under the watch include Newton, Benton, Warren, and Tippecanoe, among others.
Visit the National Weather Service (NWS) for a full list of impacted counties.
Understanding the Tornado Watch
A Tornado Watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. It does not mean that a tornado has been sighted, but rather that the atmosphere is ripe for tornado formation.
During a Tornado Watch, it is essential to stay tuned to local news and weather reports for updates on the storm’s progression and any potential tornado sightings.
Live Updates from NWS
— via IDOT: Due to inclement weather, overnight work and closures tonight on the Kennedy Expressway have been rescheduled to, weather permitting, Thursday, March 20.
— via Metra: UPW inbound and outbound trains are currently stopped due to high wind warnings. The duration of this delay is unknown. Metra will provide updates as information becomes available. Visit Metratracker.com for the location of your train.
— Ground stop in effect at O’Hare and Midway airports until 5:30 p.m.
FOX 32’s Kaitlin Cody: A dust advisory was issued around 4:55 p.m. for Jasper, Newton, and Kankakee counties until 6:45. There have been multiple reports of dust in Chicagoland today. Blowing dust can lead to a drop in visibility, especially for those who are traveling on East/West-oriented roads.
FOX 32’s Kaitlin Cody: Storms are moving into our western counties now at 4:34 p.m.
There are severe thunderstorm warnings in effect for portions of LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, and western Will county.
The warnings in place now are for 60 mph straight-line winds and penny-size hail. These storms also have torrential rain and frequent lightning.
The threat for severe storms continues into this evening until about 9 p.m.
There is a tornado watch until 9 p.m. for the SW suburbs, including Will, LaSalle, Grundy, Kendall, Kankakee, and Newton counties.
Tornado Watch in the Chicago Area
The NWS said strong tornadoes are possible, along with ping-pong-sized hail and gusts of up to 70 miles per hour.
The risk for tornadoes has increased, especially south of Interstate 88. The Storm Prediction Center has a 10% tornado risk for that area and a 5% risk for the rest of the Chicago area.
The SPC has placed nearly 2 million people in the area just south of Chicago, from central Illinois to far western Indiana, in a level 3 out of 5 risk on its severe thunderstorm risk scale.
The level 3 risk zone includes downstate cities like Peoria, Decatur, and Champaign, which face the threat of strong tornadoes (an EF-2 or higher), according to Fox Weather.
Thunderstorm Watch vs. Warning
It’s essential to know the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch and a warning.
A thunderstorm watch is issued when a severe thunderstorm is possible. Viewers located where a watch is issued should stay tuned to forecast updates, monitor sky conditions, and know where to take shelter.
A thunderstorm warning is issued when a severe thunderstorm is happening or about to happen. Anyone in the area should take shelter immediately.
Stay Informed and Stay Safe
To stay up-to-date with the latest weather alerts and updates, download the Fox Weather app and enable notifications.
How to receive FOX 32 weather alerts: Open the Fox Weather app, click on Settings in the upper right-hand corner, click on FOX 32 weather alerts, and then select which alerts you would like to receive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Tornado Watch is in effect for counties across Illinois and Indiana, with severe storms expected to hit the region this afternoon. It’s crucial to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Stay tuned to local news and weather reports, and download the Fox Weather app to receive the latest updates and alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Tornado Watch?
A: A Tornado Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. It does not mean that a tornado has been sighted, but rather that the atmosphere is ripe for tornado formation.
Q: What should I do during a Tornado Watch?
A: During a Tornado Watch, stay tuned to local news and weather reports for updates on the storm’s progression and any potential tornado sightings. Know where to take shelter and be prepared to seek shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued.
Q: What is the difference between a thunderstorm watch and a warning?
A: A thunderstorm watch is issued when a severe thunderstorm is possible, while a thunderstorm warning is issued when a severe thunderstorm is happening or about to happen. If a warning is issued, seek shelter immediately.
Q: How can I stay informed about weather alerts and updates?
A: Download the Fox Weather app and enable notifications to stay up-to-date with the latest weather alerts and updates.
