(WTVF) — A Storm 5 Alert is in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday night through 6 a.m. Sunday morning. A squall line is expected to come through the mid-state late Saturday and will bring a risk for damaging straight line wind gusts as well as some hail, and a couple brief isolated tornadoes.
The main area expected severe weather tomorrow is areas Northern Illinois. The area shaded in red represents a moderate (level 4 out of 5) risk for severe storms for areas West of Chicago.
The risk for severe weather extends Southward and includes middle Tennessee. The risk for severe weather is lower for us, but it's not zero. The timing of the storms Saturday night will be during the overnight hours. So, now is the time to go over your severe weather plan so you can feel confident as you head to bed tomorrow night.
There are two key components to preparing for severe weather. First, make sure you have a way to get weather warnings when you're sleeping. A NOAA weather radio is a great option, our Storm Shield App is another good choice. Ideally you want to have multiple ways to get weather information during overnight hours. If you use an app make sure the volume is turned up and both notifications and locations are turned on.
Step No. 2 is knowing where you'll go if a warning is issued and taking the time to practice that with you family. Doing it in a positive way that celebrates how quickly you got to your 'safe place' can help kids feel confident and empowered when storms are around as well. The safest place during severe weather is the lowest, most interior room of a sturdy structure. A basement is ideal, but if you don't have one an interior bathroom or closet is a good choice.
The most likely severe weather threat tomorrow night is damaging straight line wind around 60mph. The second most likely threat is hail. A few isolated tornadoes are possible, but less likely than straight wind.
