National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

 

Join the NWS and
Illinois Emergency Management Agency during
Severe Weather Preparedness Week. 

Monday March 2nd to Friday March 6th, 2026

 

Daily breakdown of severe weather topics. Monday: Receiving warnings and storm anxiety. Tuesday: Tornado safety. Wednesday: Lightning safety. Thursday: Hail and wind safety. Friday: Flood safety.

Annual Tornado Drill
Tuesday, March 3rd at 10:00 am

 

Treat this 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 test will be broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio using the Required Weekly Test (RWT) header. 

Tornado sirens that are usually tested on the first Tuesday of the month should be sounded during this drill. 

Illinois Severe Weather Statistics,
1950 Through 2025:

Click here for an interactive database

 

Tornadoes by year, since 1950
Total number of tornadoes reported

 

Tornadoes by month, since 1950
Tornadoes broken down by month

 

Tornadoes by time of day, since 1950
Tornadoes broken down by time of day

 

Occurrences of hail 2" or larger since 1950
Occurrences of very large hail (at least 2 inches in diameter)

 

Occurrences of wind gusts 70+ mph, broken down by month
Occurrences of wind gusts at least 70 mph

 

 

 

 

 

Tornadoes
 

Difference between tornado watch and tornado warning Tornado safe places
Tornadoes and road safety Nighttime tornadoes
Tornado Safety for employers Helping others during tornadoes

 

Thunderstorms and Lightning
 

Difference between severe thunderstorm watches and warnings Thunderstorms can escalate quickly
Safe place from lightning When thunder roars, go indoors
Straight line winds Strong wind safety

 

Flash Flooding
 

Difference between a flood watch and warning Flash flooding can escalate quickly
Flood rescuers safety Never drive around barricades
Power of flood waters Flood survivor story
Stay out of flood waters Helping others

 

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 and 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 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 and extra batteries
  • Extra clothing and blankets
  • An extra set of keys and cash
  • Medications and 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