top of page
Listen to today's Champaign-Urbana Forecast brought to you by IPM News:
Tue, Feb 6 AM Weather
Hear my forecasts every Monday-Friday morning on IPM News AM 580, FM 90.9, and online at will.illinois.edu
CHAMBANA WEATHER SEVERE WEATHER DEPOT
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES AND TERMS TO KNOW TO KEEP YOURSELF WEATHER AWARE IN EAST-CENTRAL ILLINOIS
I WANT TO:
WHERE TO GET LIFE-SAVING SEVERE WEATHER WATCHES & WARNINGS:
Anchor 1
PHONE: WIRELESS EMERGENCY ALERTS
How?: Most phones already have this enabled. If you're not sure, CLICK HERE for instructions on enabling WEA for iPhone or CLICK HERE for Android.
​
Why?: Once downloaded, you can tailor the app to only alert you for the weather alerts that you select, for only the location you select. Plus, it's free!
PHONE: FEMA APP (FREE)
How?: CLICK HERE or search 'FEMA app' in the Google or Apple Store
​
Why?: Once downloaded, you can tailor the app to only alert you for the weather alerts that you select, for only the location you select. Plus, it's free!
PHONE: WEATHER TEXT ALERT (PAID)
How?: CLICK HERE to subscribe or visit WeatherTextAlert.Com
​
Why?: An extremely reliable, extremely FAST method for receiving important weather alerts. You can tailor your account & phone number to only receive the watches/warnings you want for the location you want. I did not play a role in developing this service, but I'm close with the folks who did and will stand by their work 100%.
Anchor 2
RADIO/LIVE STREAM: WILL AM 580
How?: Tune your radio dial to AM 580. Or CLICK HERE to stream live from will.illinois.edu
​
Why?: I will be providing live updates over the air if severe storms threaten, and if I am not available the hosts will cut in immediately for any severe t-storm or tornado warning.
​
I will always try to share updates to Chambana Weather social media, but this is not a reliable method for disseminating urgent, life-saving information. If you want Chambana Weather Meteorologist Andrew Pritchard as your resource, being on the air LIVE with WILL AM 580 is my pre-determined priority #1 when life-threatening weather approaches.
Anchor 3
LOCAL TV: WCIA and/or WICD
How?: If you have local network TV, turn to your local CBS or ABC affiliate.
​
Why?: There are other local stations, but I know and trust the folks at WCIA and WICD the most. Trusted meteorologists will cut in for any local weather warning, and the plus here is you'll be able to watch the radar along with them. You may lose this option once you head to your basement. It is wise to have a radio available in your shelter if no TV is already present.
Anchor 4
SEVERE WEATHER TERMS-TO-KNOW:
SEVERE WEATHER OUTLOOK:
Issued daily by the Storm Prediction Center (NOAA) these outlooks highlight regions that are expecting severe weather with a scale based on severe weather coverage and intensity that ranges from marginal (1) to high (5). These outlooks will be referenced by meteorologists before the severe weather event takes place, and can help you understand the probability that you will experience dangerous weather that day.
MARGINAL (1): Low coverage of borderline severe t-storms
SLIGHT (2): Isolated to scattered severe storms of varying intensity
ENHANCED (3): Scattered severe storms with some significant severe weather possible
MODERATE (4): Widespread severe weather with tornadoes and/or significant damaging storms
HIGH (5): Severe weather outbreak expected with significant damaging storms and/or tornadoes
WATCH VS WARNING:
Severe thunderstorm/tornado watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center before severe weather is expected to occur. Severe thunderstorm/tornado warnings are issued by your local National Weather Service office when severe weather is occurring. Understanding the difference will help you prepare and react appropriately.
​
WATCH: THE INGREDIENTS ARE IN PLACE FOR SEVERE WEATHER OR TORNADOES
​
When a watch is issued, meteorologists are noting that some, or all of the necessary ingredients for severe weather or tornadoes are in place - but - the storms either have not developed yet or have not moved into the area. The time is now to PLAN. Make sure you and everyone in your family/workplace are aware that severe weather is expected, and review your severe weather safety plan.
​
WARNING: SEVERE WEATHER OR A TORNADO HAS BEEN SPOTTED OR DETECTED VIA RADAR AND IS EXPECTED TO STRIKE SOON
​
When a warning is issued, react immediately. A tornado warning means a tornado has already been spotted or detected by radar and is on the ground now causing damage. You may have very little time to react. Do not attempt to confirm for yourself - trust your meteorologists and get to safety.
Or, if it's easier, think of it like this:
Anchor 6
HOW TO PLAN AHEAD:
CLICK HERE to visit the FEMA Storm Ready site with tips & resources on creating a disaster plan with your family and additional information on understanding severe weather alerts.
Anchor 5
TODAY'S SEVERE WEATHER OUTLOOK:
bottom of page