Tornado Threat Possible as Severe Storms Target Northern Illinois On Tuesday

Spring officially arrives on March 20, but if you live in Northern Illinois, you know the season's arrival doesn't usually come quietly.

One day it’s sunny with temps in the upper 60s, then the next day we're side-eyeing the sky and constantly checking our weather apps.

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As someone who fears tornadoes due to a traumatic childhood experience, Tuesday, March 10 is definitely going to be a “keep an eye on the sky” day.

Severe Weather Threat for Northern Illinois

Let's just lay the bad news out there first. Local forecasters are warning that multiple rounds of storms could impact Northern Illinois starting Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning, and all types of severe weather are possible, from damaging winds and hail to flooding and tornadoes.

At the moment, the Stateline area is sitting at a Level 2 severe weather threat, but we all know that can change quickly.

Tornado Concerns for Northern Illinois

Now let’s talk about the thing that is forcing me to clean my basement and check all of my flashlight batteries today: tornadoes.

Meteorologists say the highest tornado threat will likely be near a warm front, which is a boundary between warm and cooler air.

For those of us in the Rockford area, if the warm front drifts farther north than the Interstate 80 corridor, we will have a higher tornado risk. If it stays south, large hail and heavy rain will be our biggest threats.

How to Prepare for Severe Weather in Illinois

There's no doubt about it. This Tuesday will be a day to stay weather aware.

The storms could come in several waves, with their own set of threats, so we need to prepare for the worst, and hope for the best.

Here are some important severe weather preparation reminders from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency:

• Make sure weather alerts are enabled on your phone, and/or purchase a weather radio.
• Charge all important devices in case of power outages.
• Go over your family's severe weather and safety shelter plans.
• Pack an emergency supply kit with at least a 3-day supply of water and non-perishable food items.

Keep in mind, the forecast will almost certainly change over the next 24 hours, but for now the message from meteorologists is clear: stay aware and stay prepared.