Severe Weather Hits Illinois: Tornado Warnings and Watches Issued
Severe weather is moving in across Illinois, with multiple tornado warnings for some parts of the state and tornado watches for others. Through the afternoon, the entire Chicago area is at some risk of strong to severe thunderstorms, the NBC 5 Storm Team said. In addition to tornadoes, those storms could bring heavy downpours, gusty winds, localized flooding and quarter-sized hail.
Areas to the east and south of Interstate 55, including parts of Will and Kankakee counties in Illinois and all of northwest Indiana could get hit the hardest, the National Weather Service said. As of 1 p.m., live radar showed severe weather threatening counties to the southeast and in northwest Indiana, with rain and storms moving towards Chicago. Midway and O’Hare International Airports instituted ground stops and delays as part of the incoming storms.
As the storms continue to move in, it’s essential to understand the difference between a tornado watch and warning, and where the alerts have been issued. A watch is issued when conditions are such that a severe weather event, such as a severe thunderstorm, a tornado or a winter event like a blizzard, is possible. Watches tend to be widespread over large areas, as the NWS uses them when the forecasted movement and location of a storm system is still uncertain.
What is a Tornado Watch?
A watch is issued when conditions are such that a severe weather event, such as a severe thunderstorm, a tornado or a winter event like a blizzard, is possible. When watches are issued, residents are urged to keep an eye on the forecast, and to prepare for the possibility of severe weather, taking extra precautions as needed.
What is a Tornado Warning?
A warning is issued when a severe weather event is actively taking place. That can include a severe thunderstorm or a tornado, whether that tornado has been observed by trained weather spotters or has appeared as rotation on Doppler radar. In the event of a warning, residents are urged to take shelter immediately, preferably in an interior room of a structure or in the basement if possible.
Illinois Tornado Warnings
Multiple tornado warnings were issued for southern and central Illinois Wednesday. The NWS says storm spotters observed a tornado that touched down near the Jacksonville airport in western Illinois, threatening communities like Literberry, Ashland, Chandlerville, and Oakford. The NWS also said circulations were seen on radar near the Cass/Menard County line, and near Tallula.
“People in Petersburg should take tornado precautions now!,” the NWS warned. In Iroquois County, a severe thunderstorm warning has been issued until 2 p.m. A storm, located on a line extending from Saunemin to Onarga, is moving northeast at 40 miles per hour, with 60 mph wind gusts and pea-size hail possible.
Illinois Tornado Watches
A tornado watch has been issued for Grundy, Will and Kankakee counties in Illinois until 7 p.m. Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton and Jasper counties in Indiana are under the same watch. A flash flood watch is also in effect for LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, DuPage, Cook, Will and Kankakee counties in Illinois.
Current Weather Conditions
As of 1 p.m., live radar showed severe weather threatening counties to the southeast and in northwest Indiana, with rain and storms moving towards Chicago. The National Weather Service has issued multiple tornado warnings and watches for various parts of the state. Residents are advised to stay tuned to local news and weather reports for the latest updates and to follow all instructions from local authorities.
Preparation and Safety
In the event of a tornado warning, residents are urged to take shelter immediately, preferably in an interior room of a structure or in the basement if possible. It!s also essential to have a plan in place in case of severe weather, including a safe place to go and a way to stay informed. Residents should also be prepared for power outages and have a plan for alternative lighting and heating.
Conclusion
In conclusion, severe weather is moving in across Illinois, with multiple tornado warnings and watches issued for various parts of the state. It’s essential for residents to stay informed and prepared, and to follow all instructions from local authorities. By understanding the difference between a tornado watch and warning, and by taking necessary precautions, residents can stay safe during severe weather events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a tornado watch and warning?
A: A watch is issued when conditions are such that a severe weather event, such as a severe thunderstorm, a tornado or a winter event like a blizzard, is possible. A warning is issued when a severe weather event is actively taking place.
Q: What should I do in case of a tornado warning?
A: In the event of a tornado warning, residents are urged to take shelter immediately, preferably in an interior room of a structure or in the basement if possible.
Q: How can I stay informed about severe weather?
A: Residents can stay informed about severe weather by tuning into local news and weather reports, and by following the National Weather Service and local authorities on social media.
Q: What should I do to prepare for severe weather?
A: Residents should have a plan in place in case of severe weather, including a safe place to go and a way to stay informed. They should also be prepared for power outages and have a plan for alternative lighting and heating.
