Illinois is gearing up for a wild weather weekend, and it’s time to get prepared. Starting Saturday afternoon, we’ll see the first round of severe thunderstorms moving in, followed by the real danger on Sunday—with the risk of tornadoes peaking, particularly in Chicago and the central counties like Peoria, Champaign, and Springfield.
It’s not just a typical spring storm. We’re talking about heavy rain, hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes—with the worst expected late Sunday afternoon and evening. If you live in the path of this storm, it’s crucial to pay attention and stay prepared. Here’s what to expect, and most importantly, how to stay safe.
What to Expect: The Storm Timeline
Saturday: The First Round of Storms
Saturday isn’t going to be a walk in the park, but it’s really just the beginning. Starting in the afternoon and continuing into the evening, Illinois will experience a wave of scattered thunderstorms. These won’t be as severe as what’s coming on Sunday, but you can still expect heavy rain, hail, and strong winds. These early storms can get intense pretty quickly, so it’s a good idea to stay on top of weather updates. If you have outdoor plans, be prepared to head inside fast.
Sunday: The Big Day for Tornadoes
Sunday is when things take a turn for the worse. The tornado threat really ramps up in the afternoon and evening. While Saturday’s storms are just a taste, Sunday’s weather is what you should be concerned about.
Here’s the rundown:
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Tornadoes: Areas including Chicago, Peoria, Springfield, and Champaign will be at the highest risk for tornadoes on Sunday. It’s possible that Tornado Watches will be issued, meaning the conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form.
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Severe Thunderstorms: Along with tornadoes, damaging winds of up to 70 mph could create serious problems—downed trees, power outages, and damage to homes and cars. These winds can be just as dangerous as the tornadoes themselves.
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Hail: You may also see large hail, as big as ping pong balls, that could easily damage roofs, cars, and windows.
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Flash Flooding: With all that rain, there’s also the potential for flash flooding in areas with poor drainage or those near rivers and streams.
The worst of the weather will likely hit between 3 PM and 9 PM, when the tornado threat is at its peak. This could also be when hail and high winds cause the most damage. Be prepared for the weather to go from calm to chaotic in a matter of minutes.
How to Stay Safe: Practical Tips
Severe weather can be scary, especially when tornadoes are involved, but staying prepared can make all the difference. Here’s how to protect yourself and your family during this storm:
1. Stay Informed
The most important thing you can do is stay updated. Weather alerts are your best friend during severe weather. Set up emergency notifications on your phone, watch the news, or keep a weather radio nearby for updates. The situation can change rapidly, and having the latest information will help you make fast decisions.
2. Know What to Do When a Tornado Hits
If a Tornado Warning is issued, you need to act immediately. Go to the lowest level of your home, preferably a basement or an interior room like a bathroom or closet, away from windows and doors. If you don’t have a basement, head to a windowless room at the center of your house. And don’t forget to cover your head with something sturdy, like a mattress or blankets, to protect yourself from flying debris.
3. Prepare for Power Outages
With all the wind and rain, power outages are a real possibility. Make sure you have an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food on hand. Also, charge your phone before the storm hits, and if possible, have a portable charger available in case the power goes out.
4. Secure Your Property
If you have outdoor furniture or anything that could fly away in strong winds, bring it inside or secure it as best as you can. Hail can also cause damage to your car, so try to park in a garage or an area that offers some protection if possible. Don’t forget to check your yard and make sure there’s nothing that could become a flying missile in those gusty winds.
5. Don’t Travel if You Don’t Have To
If you don’t need to go out, stay home. The roads will be dangerous with heavy rain, hail, and damaging winds. If you do have to travel, take it slow and avoid any areas that are flooding. And whatever you do, don’t try to outrun a tornado. Find shelter right away if one is nearby.
Be Prepared, Stay Safe
Illinois, this is a storm you don’t want to take lightly. While Saturday’s weather will get your attention, Sunday is when the real danger sets in, with tornadoes, high winds, hail, and flash flooding all becoming serious threats, especially in Chicago and central Illinois.
