Monday night was a scary time for many people in Chicago and parts of Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. More than 13 million people were under tornado warning or watch alerts as severe thunderstorms swept through the Midwest. The National Weather Service reported multiple tornadoes in Illinois as the storms moved through the region.
One tornado was confirmed near Sugar Grove, about 40 miles west of Chicago. The Weather Service’s Chicago bureau even had to seek shelter from a tornado at one point. Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports also warned of severe weather, resulting in flight cancellations and delays.
By 10 p.m., the tornado risk had passed in Cook County, where Chicago is located, but the storms were heading east into Indiana. Some parts of northwestern Indiana were under tornado warnings until late into the night. Nearly 380,000 people were left without power in Northern Illinois as a result of the severe weather.
A tornado watch alert remained in place until the early hours of Tuesday for parts of Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. It was a tense and uncertain night for many residents in the affected areas.
The safety of those in the path of these storms is of utmost importance. It’s crucial to stay informed and prepared in the event of severe weather. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind during a tornado outbreak:
1. Stay informed by listening to weather alerts and updates from trusted sources like the National Weather Service.
2. Have a plan in place for seeking shelter, whether it’s a basement, storm cellar, or interior room on the lowest level of your home.
3. Keep an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit.
4. Stay away from windows and doors during a tornado and protect your head and neck with a pillow, mattress, or heavy blankets.
5. If you’re in a vehicle, try to find a sturdy building to seek shelter. If that’s not possible, pull over, buckle your seat belt, and cover your head with your arms and a blanket.
Remember, safety comes first during severe weather events like tornado outbreaks. Stay alert, be prepared, and take action to protect yourself and your loved ones.
