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Thunderstorms / Flooding

Severe Weather Watch - Severe weather may develop, with the highest probability in and close to the watch area. A watch is only an indication of where and when the probabilities for severe weather are highest. People within the Watch area should be on the look-out for threatening weather conditions which may rapidly develop in the area.

Severe Weather Warning - A severe thunderstorm or tornado has actually been sighted in the area or its presence indicated by radar. A Warning describes the "downstream" area that could be affected. This area is determined from the location, size, direction and speed of movement of the storm. When a Warning is received, person(s) in the path of the storm should seek shelter immediately.

Thunderstorms                                                             

• Severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes, damaging winds, lightning, hail or heavy rain.
• Thunderstorms are most likely to happen in the spring and summer.
• In Illinois, severe thunderstorms frequently occur in the late afternoon or evening.
• Each year, more people are killed by lightning than tornadoes in the United States.
• Most deaths occur in open fields (ballfields) and under or near trees.
• Ninety-six people have been killed by lightning in Illinois in the past 40 years.
• In 2001, Illinois ranked second in the United States for lightning fatalities.
• In 2003, large hail resulted in nearly $20 million in property and crop damage in

Illinois. The largest hailstone in 2003 was in the McLean County town of Stanford, where 4 ½” hail fell on the evening of May 9th.

Flooding

• Flooding is the number one severe weather killer nationwide.
• Nationally, 75 percent of the presidential disaster declarations are the result of floods.
• Floods can take several hours to days to develop.
• The most dangerous type of flooding is a flash flood. Flash floods can sweep away everyone and everything in their path. Most flash floods are caused by slow-moving thunderstorms, and occur most frequently at night, in mid to late summer.
• Fourteen people in Illinois have died from floods since 1995. Seven of the 13 deaths occurred in vehicles. Other deaths occur when people (especially children) play in or near flood waters, and when people living near flooded streams try to protect their property. 

Recommended Actions For Severe Weather

By becoming familiar with and implementing the following recommended actions, you and your family will be better protected in the event of thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding.

Before Thunderstorms

• Check the weather forecast before leaving for extended outdoor periods and

postpone plans if severe weather is imminent.

• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers. Teach children how and when to call 911 for emergency assistance.
• Choose a friend or family member who lives out of the area for separated family

members to call to report their whereabouts and condition.

• Keep important documents and records in a safe deposit box or other secure

location.

• Maintain a disaster supply kit.

During Thunderstorms

• Close all windows and doors. Draw the shades or blinds to reduce the risk from

flying glass if window or door glass breaks due to high winds.

• Monitor the radio or television for the latest weather information.
• Avoid using the telephone or other electrical appliances until the storm passes.
• Turn off air conditioners. If lightning strikes, a power surge could damage the

            compressor.

• Delay taking baths or showers until after the storm passes.
• If outdoors, seek shelter immediately. If you can hear thunder, you are probably

close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning.

• If you are in a boat when a thunderstorm threatens, you should attempt to reach

shore as quickly as possible.

• If you are driving, pull safely to the shoulder away from trees and power lines.

Lightning can flash from trees or power poles into a vehicle through the radio

antenna. Normally, in the open, a vehicle is a safe shelter from lightning. Avoid

touching metal parts of the vehicle when lightning is nearby.

• If you find yourself in a position where there is no immediate shelter available, find a low spot away from trees and power poles where you can squat low to the ground.  Make yourself the smallest target possible.

After Thunderstorms

• Monitor the radio or television for emergency information or instructions.
• Check for injured victims. Render first aid if necessary. Most lightning strike victims can be revived with CPR. Do not attempt to move severely injured victims unless absolutely necessary. Wait for emergency medical assistance to arrive.
• Take photos of or videotape the damage to your home or property.
• Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
• If driving, be alert for hazards on the roadway.
• Check on neighbors or relatives who may require special assistance.
   

During Flooding

• Monitor the radio or television for the latest weather information.
• Move valuable household possessions to the upper floor or move to another location if flooding is imminent and time permits.
• If instructed to do so by local authorities, turn off utilities at their source.
• Listen to a battery-operated radio for evacuation instructions.
• If advised to evacuate, do so quickly.
• Evacuation is much simpler and safer before flood waters become too deep for

ordinary vehicles to drive through. 

• Follow recommended evacuation routes. Short cuts may be blocked.
• People lose their lives by attempting to drive on a flooded roadway. The speed and depth of the water is not always obvious. There may be a hidden portion of the roadway washed out under the water. Two feet of water will carry away most

automobiles.

After Flooding

• Flood dangers do not end when the water begins to recede. Listen to a radio or

television and don’t return home until authorities indicate it is safe to do so.

• When you are allowed to return, remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance.
• Inspect foundations for cracks or other damage.
• When entering buildings, use extreme caution.
• Look for fire hazards.
• If your home was damaged, check the utilities.
• Stay out of buildings that remain in the flood waters.
• Avoid coming in contact with flood waters. The water may be contaminated with oil, gasoline or raw sewage.
• Do not wade through a flooded stream to protect or retrieve belongings.
• Consider your family's health and safety. Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with flood waters. Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink.
• Throw away food -- including canned goods -- that has come in contact with flood

waters.

• Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to

avoid structural damage.

• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems as soon as

possible. Damaged sewer systems pose a health hazard.

• Stay alert for areas where flood waters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a vehicle.
• Do not let children play in or near flood waters, flooded creeks or flood retention

ponds.

• Stay away from downed power lines. Report them to the utility company

immediately.

• If unaffected by the flood, stay out of the area until allowed to enter by officials. Your presence may hamper emergency operations.
• Monitor the radio for special information about where to go to get assistance for

housing, clothing and food. Other programs are available to help you cope with the stress of the situation.

• Take photos of or videotape the damage to your home and your belongings.