CHICAGO, December 29 — The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Watch for dozens of counties across Indiana and Illinois on Sunday afternoon, advising residents to prepare for dangerous storms capable of producing tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds.
What areas are under the Tornado Watch?
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued the watch around 3:45 PM local time Sunday, effective until 9 PM. It covers dozens of counties in both states.
In Indiana: The watch includes Benton, Boone, Brown, Carroll, Cass, Clay, Clinton, Daviess, Dubois, Fountain, Gibson, Greene, Hamilton, Hendricks, Howard, Johnson, Knox, Lawrence, Marion, Martin, Miami, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Orange, Owen, Parke, Pike, Posey, Putnam, Spencer, Sullivan, Tippecanoe, Tipton, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, Warren, Warrick, and White counties.
In Illinois: The watch is in effect for Alexander, Bond, Champaign, Christian, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, De Witt, Douglas, Edgar, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Ford, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Iroquois, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Lawrence, Livingston, Macon, Marion, Massac, McLean, Montgomery, Moultrie, Perry, Piatt, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Richland, Saline, Shelby, Union, Vermilion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, White, and Williamson counties.
What dangers does the watch indicate?
A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form. The NWS also warned that the severe storms could produce wind gusts up to 75 mph and significant hailstorms within the affected areas. Residents should be prepared to take immediate shelter if a Tornado Warning—indicating a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar—is issued for their location.
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What safety precautions should be taken?
Residents in the watch area are urged to stay informed via local news or a NOAA Weather Radio. Specific safety actions include:
- At Home: Go to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
- At Work or School: Follow established tornado drill procedures and proceed immediately to the designated shelter location.
- Outdoors: Seek shelter immediately in a sturdy building.
- In a Vehicle: Driving during a tornado is unsafe. The best course is to drive to the closest sturdy shelter and remain there until the threat passes.
How is a Tornado Watch different from a Warning?
- A Tornado Watch means be prepared—conditions are right for tornadoes to develop.
- A Tornado Warning requires immediate action, as a tornado has been reported or detected by radar, urging people to seek shelter right away. A Watch simply signals a higher level of readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Until what time is the Tornado Watch in effect?
A: The National Weather Service advisory is in place until 9 PM local time on Sunday.
Q: What should I do if I’m driving and can’t find shelter?
A: If you cannot reach a sturdy building, the NWS advises that driving is not safe. As a last resort, park the car, stay seated with your seatbelt on, and protect your head. Avoid seeking shelter under highway overpasses.
Q: Where can I get real-time updates?
A: For the most recent alerts and announcements, keep an eye on local broadcast media, NOAA Weather Radio, or official NWS websites and social media pages.
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