Community Corner

Tornado Watch in Effect Until 4 p.m.; Severe T-Storms, Flooding Also Possible

Tornado watch issued for the Chicago area. Officials say a severe storm with a tornado sighted south of Chicago is expected to reach Evanston at 1:35 p.m. Sunday.

UPDATE, 1:30 p.m. Sunday:

Evanston officials are advising residents that a tornado watch remains in effect until 4 p.m. Sunday. A severe thunderstorm warning and flash flood warning are also in effect until 3 p.m.

A few small power outages were reported in Evanston as of 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Customers with power outages can contact ComEd at 1-800-Edison-1.

UPDATE, 1 p.m. Sunday:

The city is advising residents to shelter in place as the storm is expected to reach Evanston around 1:35 p.m.

FROM THE CITY:

"If the severe storm with a tornado visible southwest of the Chicago area maintains its current direction and speed, it is expected to reach Evanston at approximately 1:35 p.m. It is recommended that you shelter in place.

If you live in a house with a finished basement, corner rooms or bathrooms and closets offer extra protection. The more concrete walls or plumbing around you, the better. This reduces the risk of your home caving in on you and better protects you from flying debris.

If you are in a high-rise building, such as a skyscraper, apartment building or dormitory, go to the lowest level or the most interior part of the building you can find. Avoid elevators and stay away from windows.

Find out what's happening in Evanstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

One of the worst places to be during a tornado is in a vehicle. Tornadoes generally track from southwest to northeast or from west to east. Drive in a right angle to the storm and get a considerable distance away.

Other tips are posted here."

Find out what's happening in Evanstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.



ORIGINAL STORY:

By Brian Slupski and Emily Stone

A tornado watch is in effect for much of the Chicago area until 4 p.m., the National Weather Service stated.

A flash flood warning is also in effect for much of the area, including Cook County and southern Lake County.

There were reports of tornadoes on the ground near Pontiac, Streator, and Bloomington. A warning was issued for those areas and has since expired.

A tornado watch means conditions are right for the formation of a tornado. A warning means that a tornado actually has formed.

The Chicago Tribune quoted a meteorologist from the National Weather Service as saying the weather systems creating the tornados are "extraordinarily rare."

Severe thunderstorms and hail are also forecast. The National Weather Service is calling it a, "potentially very dangerous situation."

The tornado of watch for the Chicago area states:

A TORNADO WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE WARNED AREA. TORNADOES CAN DEVELOP QUICKLY FROM SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS. ALTHOUGH ONE IS NOT IMMEDIATELY LIKELY...IF A TORNADO IS SPOTTED...ACT QUICKLY AND MOVE TO A PLACE OF SAFETY INSIDE A STURDY STRUCTURE...SUCH AS A BASEMENT OR SMALL INTERIOR ROOM. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THESE STORMS ARE PRODUCING WIND DAMAGE. SEEK SHELTER NOW INSIDE A STURDY STRUCTURE AND STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS.


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