The Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is urging all residents to closely monitor weather conditions and prepare now for the potential of a significant severe weather outbreak expected to impact the area on Wednesday. While forecasts can and do change, nearly every major weather forecasting source indicates that conditions may become favorable for severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes.
Forecast discussions from the National Weather Service, national forecasting centers, private meteorologists, and weather information services all highlight the potential severity of this event.
The Iroquois County EMA wants residents to understand that this is not a routine severe weather forecast. Although the exact timing, location, and intensity of storms cannot yet be determined, current weather guidance strongly suggests that Wednesday could bring dangerous weather conditions to portions of Illinois, including Iroquois County. Recent storms have already demonstrated the vulnerability of our communities. Since June 11, the National Weather Service has confirmed multiple tornadoes within Iroquois County, with additional damage assessments still underway. Wednesday's weather system has the potential to produce similar impacts.
One of the most important steps residents can take is ensuring they have multiple methods of receiving weather alerts.
Residents should not rely on a single source for warning information. Recommended warning sources include:
• Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) delivered directly to cell phones- Make sure this feature is turned on! • NOAA Weather Radio • Local television and radio broadcasts • The National Weather Service website and social media platforms • The Regroup emergency notification system • Trusted weather applications on smartphones and tablets
Outdoor warning sirens should only be considered one part of your warning system. Sirens are designed primarily to alert people who are outdoors and may not always be heard inside homes, businesses, or while sleeping.
Every household should identify a safe shelter location before severe weather develops.
The safest location during a tornado warning is:
• A basement or storm shelter • A small interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building • A room without windows, such as a bathroom, closet, or hallway
Residents should place as many walls as possible between themselves and the outside of the building. Mobile homes, manufactured homes, campers, and recreational vehicles are not safe during tornadoes or high-wind events. Individuals living in these structures should identify a nearby sturdy shelter now and have a plan to reach it quickly if warnings are issued.
Residents are encouraged to:
• Review family emergency plans • Charge cell phones and backup battery packs • Ensure weather radios have fresh batteries • Secure outdoor furniture, trash containers, and other loose items • Identify shelter locations at home, work, and places frequently visited • Stay informed throughout the day Wednesday as forecasts are updated
Weather conditions can change rapidly. The Iroquois County EMA will continue to monitor forecast information and provide updates as additional information becomes available. The time to prepare is before warnings are issued. All residents are encouraged to remain weather aware, review their safety plans, and be prepared to take immediate protective action if severe weather threatens Iroquois County.
Scott Anderson Director Iroquois County Emergency Management Agency
