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Tornado Watch in Effect for Metro East Illinois Counties
Several counties in the Metro East region of Illinois are under a tornado watch until 4 p.m. Central Time today, June 18, 2025. Residents in the affected areas should monitor weather updates and be prepared to take shelter if a tornado warning is issued.
Affected Areas in Illinois
The tornado watch includes the following Illinois counties:
- Madison County
- St. Clair County
- jersey County
- Monroe County
- Randolph County
- Calhoun County
- Clinton County
- Washington County
- Jefferson County
- Marion County
- Clay county
- Fayette County
- Bond County
- Montgomery County
- Macoupin County
- Greene County
A tornado warning was previously in effect for portions of Pike County, Illinois, but the warning for Pike County, Missouri, has been canceled. Law enforcement confirmed a damaging tornado in northwestern Calhoun County.
Weather Impact alert
A Weather Impact Alert has been issued due to the risk of strong to severe storms, including the possibility of tornadoes. The primary threats are gusty winds and hail,but tornadoes cannot be ruled out. The Storm Prediction Center has assigned a slight or enhanced risk (levels 2 and 3 out of 5) to much of the area.
Did You Know? The Fujita scale, used to rate tornado intensity, was replaced by the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale in 2007 to provide more detailed and consistent damage assessments.
Preparing for a Tornado
It is crucial to have a plan in place in case a tornado warning is issued. the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends the following:
- Identify a safe room, such as a basement, storm cellar, or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
- Practice going to your safe room with your family or household.
- Have an emergency kit with essential supplies, including water, food, a flashlight, and a battery-powered radio.
- Stay informed about weather conditions by monitoring local news and weather alerts.
Pro Tip: Download a weather app on your smartphone that provides real-time alerts and radar details.
Tornado Safety Tips
If a tornado warning is issued for your area, take the following actions:
- Go to your designated safe room immediately.
- If you are in a car or outdoors, seek shelter in a sturdy building. If no building is available,lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area and cover your head with your arms.
- Stay away from windows,doors,and outside walls.
