The Village of Oak Park | 123 Madison St.  Oak Park, IL 60302 | village@oak-park.us

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Severe weather threat grows

Tornadoes, lightning, flash foods, damaging winds and destructive hail strike Illinois each spring, summer and fall, sometimes with incredible violence. Being aware of severe weather safety rules and knowing what to do might save your life, which is why the National Weather Service urges you to develop a safety plan for use at home, work, school, vehicle and outdoor activities. Visit www.ready.illinois.gov for more information.

Know the terms…Tornadoes are the most destructive storms that occur in Illinois. Being prepared for a tornado can save your life. A tornado watch means severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible over the next few hours, so be prepared. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted by a trained storm spotter, or intense rotation that will likely produce a tornado has been detected by Doppler radar — get to a place of safety immediately.

Local warning siren…The West Suburban Consolidated Dispatch Center (WSCDC), the emergency 9-1-1 hub for Oak Park, River Forest and Elmwood Park, sounds a warning siren when a tornado is sighted within a 10-mile radius. The sirens also are activated at 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday of every month as part of a regular statewide test. Information on severe weather is posted by the National Weather Service at www.spc.noaa.gov.