Community Corner

Tornado Watch in Effect Until 1 A.M.

National Weather Service calls for a 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms Wednesday night and into early Thursday morning.

Romeoville and its surrounding communities are under a tornado watch until 1 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasts call for a 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms are likely, mainly after midnight. 

As of 8:10 p.m., the storm system in question was in the vicinity of the Freeport and Rockford area.

Find out what's happening in Romeovillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Here are a few tips for weather safety: 

What to do when severe weather strikes

Find out what's happening in Romeovillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Signs that a tornado could be headed this way include hot, humid weather combined with a cold front. A tornado watch means that a tornado is possible in the area and residents should be alert. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted in the area, and residents should take cover immediately.

offers the following tips for staying safe and preparing for severe weather:

  • You should take cover for at least 15 minutes after the sirens are activated or until the tornado warning has expired.
  • If you are at home, go to the basement or take shelter in a small, interior, ground-floor room like a bathroom, closet or hallway. In all cases, stay away from windows and outside walls and doors.
  • If you are at the office or in an apartment building, take shelter in an inner hallway or room, ideally in the basement or ground floor. Do not use the elevator and stay away from windows. Avoid buildings like gymnasiums, churches and auditoriums with freespan roofs. These roofs do not have supports in the middle and may collapse if struck by a tornado. If you are in one of these buildings when a tornado hits, take cover under a sturdy structure.
  • Do not get caught in a car or mobile home. Take shelter elsewhere, such as a buiding with a strong foundation. If no shelter is available, lie down in a ditch, away from the car or mobile home.
  • In all cases, get as close to the ground as possible, protect your head and watch out for flying debris. Small objects, such as sticks, can become lethal weapons when driven by a tornado’s winds.
  • Do not call 911 to ask about the weather situation unless someone is hurt inside your home. The 911 system can easily become overloaded with calls during this time.

After a tornado strikes:

  • Monitor local media reports for advice and to find out where assistance is available.
  • Drive carefully and watch for debris, damaged bridges or roads and dangling wires.
  • Report any emergency situations to the local police or fire department.
  • Notify your insurance agent or broker if your property is damaged.
  • If you smell gas: Immediately call the fire department; open windows and doors; and leave the house and go to another location.


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