CARTERVILLE, Ill. (WSIL) -- The storms moved through Missouri and Illinois and are now moving through parts of Kentucky at this time. They will continue rolling east through the region. Here is what you need to know.
CARTERVILLE, Ill. (WSIL) -- Here are a growing list of storm shelters we have confirmed in t…
Tonight:Â The National Weather Service has issued a Particular Dangerous Situation Tornado Watch for the entire region.
PADUCAH, Ky. (WSIL) -- A Particularly Dangerous Situation Tornado Watch has been issued for the entire WSIL viewing area.
The major storm system brought widespread severe weather to the region. This was a moderate, level 4 (out of 5) risk of severe weather across the entire region. The moderate risk is the second highest severe weather category which can be issued.
Timing: The severe weather is starting to exit our area and should be out by about 4 a.m. on Saturday.
Hazards: With this line which came through, we saw high winds, tornadoes, lightning, heavy rain and hail.
You can see the latest on power outages below...
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Safety: According to the National Weather Service (NWS), here are some safety tips you need to know before, during and after a storm...
Tornado Safety
Before a Tornado
- Make sure all family members know the tornado safe location in your home
- Store an emergency kit in your safe location
- Identify where to go if you are at work or school
- Make a family communications plan
During a Tornado
- Go to a safe location away from windows on the lowest level of a sturdy building
- If you are caught outside, get in a car, buckle up and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter
- Never seek shelter under a bridge and only lie flat in a ditch as a last resort
- Go to a secure storm shelter if you are in a mobile home
Preparing your pets
- Get your pets ready at the first sign of an approaching storm
- Put your dog on a leash and your cat in a carrier
- Move all pets to the shelter well ahead of the storm
- Include pet food and medicines in your emergency kit
After a Tornado
- Beware of downed power lines, broken gas lines and sharp/dangerous objects
- Avoid damaged area
- Stay off the roads to allow rescue workers clear passage
- Follow instructions from local officials
Flood Safety
- Never drive through flood waters
- Never drive around barricades
- Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles
- 12 inches of water can sweep a car off the road
- Driving into floodwaters also puts rescuers' lives at risk
- Turn around, don't drown
- Never walk into floodwaters
- It only takes six inches of moving water to knock an adult off his or her feet
Lightning Safety
If you're caught outside in a storm
- Avoid open fields, the top of a hill or a ridge top
- Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects
- Stay away from water, wet items and metal objects
- *A tent or open air building like a picnic shelter will not protect you from lightning
When you're inside a car during a storm
- Close all windows
- Don't touch metal objects
- Pull over on the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights
When you're inside during a thunderstorm
- Don't touch electrical equipment or electronics plugged into the wall
- Stay off corded phones and avoid plumbing
- Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches
- Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls
Preparedness Saves Lives
According to the National Weather Service, there is nothing we can do to stop severe thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes or floods from developing. However, there are things that everyone can do to minimize the impacts of severe weather on our lives.
What you can do to be prepared
Stay Informed
- This can be done by monitoring a weather alert radio, local radio & TV broadcasts, NWS web pages, or various applications on computers and smart phones.
- Don't just rely on one method - especially storm sirens - which are NOT designed to be heard indoors by everyone.Â
Have an emergency plan
- Do this for your home, business, schools and when you are traveling. Designate places to go to seek safe shelter from a tornado or severe thunderstorm. Pick two places to meet in case you are separated from your family or co-workers.
- While traveling or when away from home, know the names of the locations you are visiting - especially county and city names.
Prepare Yourself & Your Home For An Emergency
- Learn how to use a fire extinguisher, how to administer CPR, and how to turn off the electricity, gas and water supplies in your home.
- Inspect your home for potential hazards such as weakened trees or limbs, cracked windows or worn roofing.
- When you build a new structure - or renovate an existing one - there are ways to prevent wind damage to roofs, upper floors and garages. Rafters, trusses, walls and doors can all be reinforced.
Have an Emergency Supply Kit
Some storms produce power outages that will last for several days. Having the following items will help you cope with the disaster:
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food
- Flashlights & extra batteries
- Extra clothing & blankets
- An extra set of keys & cash
- Medications & a first aid kit
- Personal hygiene items
- Pet supplies
- A weather alert radio or portable AM/FM radio
For more safety information, you can find that .
Know where to go: Williamson County Emergency Management Director Brian Burgess says it's important to plan ahead and find your safe space.
“Know where that safe space is. If you don't have a basement, that's fine. Look for the most interior room in your home. One away from any exterior doors and windows,� Burgess says. “If you know somebody who has a basement or a storm shelter, try to make those connections today so that when the sky's turned dark, you already know where you're going.�
Help is here: We talked with Mary Pantle, the Community Disaster Program Manager for the South and West Central chapter of the Red Cross. They have been checking inventory and seeing what might be needed before the storm hits.
“We ultimately want to make sure that the community has the support, the resources that they need. This is going to be a very big storm. It's anticipated to cover pretty much the entire state. So we want to make sure that whether you are down here in Williamson County or anywhere up north, the Red Cross is present,� Pantle said.
Weather Aware: Given the timing of these storms, folks should remain weather aware and have multiple ways to receive alerts. Download the WSIL Weather App.
