Extreme Fire Weather Concerns; Severe Thunderstorms from the Plains to Mississippi Valley

Extremely critical fire weather concerns for portions of the southern High Plans as strong wind and very dry conditions could result in rapid spread of any fires. Meanwhile, severe thunderstorms are expected once again across areas of the Central and Southern Plains, then spreading in the Mississippi Valley regions on Monday. Damaging winds, very large hail and strong tornadoes are possible. Read More >


Photo by Paul Sieczka near Washburn IL 2/28/17	Photo by Kristen Claybrooke	Photo by Pete Mantell	Photo by Mark Stacey

Join the NWS and Illinois Emergency Management Agency

during Severe Weather Preparedness Week which runs from

Monday March 2nd to Friday March 6th, 2026

Annual Tornado Drill

Tuesday March 3rd at 10am CST

Residents should treat the drill as if it were an actual Tornado Warning.

The purpose of the drill is to test everyone's readiness for life-threatening severe weather events

such as tornadoes, flash floods, and damaging winds.

The National Weather Service will issue a Routine Weekly Test (RWT)

to NOAA Weather Radios to initiate the drill and alert those radios.

Note: The tornado sirens that are usually tested on the first Tuesday of the month should be sounded during this drill.

NOW is the time to prepare...don't wait until severe
storms are forecast...it may be too late!!

Severe Weather
Safety Links

What You Can Do to
Prepare for Severe Storms

Severe Weather
Resource Links

Illinois Severe
Weather Climatology

Tornado
Safety

Severe
Thunderstorm
Safety

Flood
Safety

Lightning
Safety

Severe Weather Safety

Tornadoes (click images to enlarge)

Severe Thunderstorms (click images to enlarge)

Flood Safety (click images to enlarge)

Lightning Safety (click images to enlarge)

Preparedness Saves Lives

There is nothing we can do to stop severe thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes or floods from developing. However, there are things that everyone can do to minimize the impacts of severe weather on our lives.

What you can do to be prepared:

STAY INFORMED
This can be done by monitoring a weather alert radio, local radio & TV broadcasts, NWS web pages, or various applications on computers and smart phones.

DON'T just rely on one method - especially storm sirens - which are NOT designed to be heard indoors by everyone.
HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN
Do this for your home, business, schools and when you are traveling. Designate places to go to seek safe shelter from a tornado or severe thunderstorm. Pick two places to meet in case you are separated from your family or co-workers.

While traveling or when away from home, know the names of the locations you are visiting - especially county and city names.
PREPARE YOURSELF & YOUR HOME FOR AN EMERGENCY
Learn how to use a fire extinguisher, how to administer CPR, and how to turn off the electricity, gas and water supplies in your home.

Inspect your home for potential hazards such as weakened trees or limbs, cracked windows or worn roofing.

When you build a new structure - or renovate an existing one - there are ways to prevent wind damage to roofs, upper floors and garages. Rafters, trusses, walls and doors can all be reinforced.
HAVE AN EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT
Some storms produce power outages that will last for several days. Having the following items will help you cope with the disaster:

Bottled water
Non-perishable food
Flashlights & extra batteries
Extra clothing & blankets
An extra set of keys & cash
Medications & a first aid kit
Personal hygiene items
Pet supplies
A weather alert radio or portable AM/FM radio

"By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail."

-- Ben Franklin

Severe Weather Resource Links (click on the links below)


IEMA / NWS Severe Weather Guide	Thunderstorms, Tornadoes and Lightning (PDF, 24.8 MB)	Interested in storm spotting? Click the SKYWARN logo for a list of classes!


NOAA Weather Radio information for central and southeast Illinois	Learn About Wireless Emergency Alerts for Your Mobile Devices	State of Illinois Preparedness Web Page