Significant and Catastrophic Flooding in the Pacific Northwest; Very Cold Temperatures in the Northern Plains

The atmospheric river over the Pacific Northwest will begin to subside today, but lingering rainfall will exacerbate ongoing catastrophic major river flooding, and landslides will continue across portions of western Washington and northwest Oregon for several days. Arctic air will plummet southward into the Northern Plains today, bringing cold air in the single digits to the region by Friday. Read More >

Lightning Safety

There are an estimated 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes each year in the United States, nearly 800,000 of which occur in Illinois alone.

Lightning can be fascinating to watch, but it is also extremely dangerous – it is the underrated killer.

Each year in the United States, more than 1,000 people are struck by lightning.

The 10-year average was around 55 fatalities each year when Lightning Safety Awareness Week began in 2001. The 10-year average has now dropped to around 23 deaths per year.

Visit the NWS Lightning Safety Awareness web page for more information

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

Lightning Messages (Click on images below for a larger graphic)

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