U.S. Weather Service Announces 'Severe Weather Preparedness Week'

ILLINOIS — The U.S. National Weather Service has issued a reminder to all Illinois residents that we are currently in the middle of National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, which runs until Saturday, March 7. The week is itself a reminder to all Illinois residents to begin preparing for potentially violent weather as winter transitions into spring.

"NOW is the time to prepare ... don't wait until severe storms are forecast ... it may be too late!" The Weather Service's webpage declares.

Tornadoes are a particular concern during the Illinois springtime, as the state lies on the western edge of the geographic area known to meteorologists as 'Tornado Alley.' More tornadoes occur in the Alley, which stretches to the Rocky Mountains and across the Great Plains, than in any other area on Earth. Nationally, Illinois is the 5th most tornado-struck state in the union.

Meteorologist Ed Shimon with the National Weather Service said the region's uniquely flat topography — and Illinois' location in particular — contributes to the prevalence of the powerful cyclonic systems.

"Illinois just happens to be in the path of where typical low-pressure systems track, especially in the springtime. ... We just have a good flow of moisture from the Gulf, and storms tend to ramp up as they come out of the Plains in our direction," Shimon said. "We tend to be in the bullseye of most storm systems in terms of severe weather, it seems."

May is the peak month of the year for tornadoes and severe weather in general, Shimon explained, but he said the Weather Service likes to have their Preparedness Week well before then.

"In general, [Weather Service officials] want to have it before the severe weather really ramps up, and this is generally the time of year when we start to see more and more thunderstorm activity start to develop," Shimon said.

Besides tornadoes, Illinoisans are also advised to be aware of high straight winds, hail, lightning and floods. While each community in the state and, indeed, each household, may have specific concerns they need to address, Shimon pointed out a few general preparations that everyone can begin to make.

These include having an emergency kit that includes non-perishable food, water, first aid, a light source and a portable radio, as well as knowing where local evacuation and storm shelters are, and taking time to storm proof one's home or business. A more exhaustive list of preparedness measure can be found at the National Weather Service website.

"The key thing is, make sure you have a plan either for your family or your business," Shimon said. "Where you're going to go for safety in the event of a destructive tornado. ... Imagine yourself waking up in the middle of the night, disoriented; be able to know where to go without even having to think about it."

The National Weather Service recorded more than 50 tornadoes in Illinois in 2017, the most recent year for which accurate records are available. These resulted in at least 4 deaths and dozens of injuries. With 2020 already off to a relatively warm, wet start, now is the time to prepare.

"Have a plan, have a safety kit, [know] where you need to go for your safety, and then practice the plan to be ready," Shimon said.