If it feels as though Illinois received an extra share of tornadoes last year, that's because we did.
Illinois saw more tornadoes than any other state in 2023. Illinois experienced 118 tornadoes last year — the third most in its history.
The 2023 numbers were a significant increase from the 34 tornadoes recorded in Illinois in 2022. Yes, that's right -- the number more than tripled from one year to the next, although the 2022 count was one of the lowest of the century.
Studies have found climate change may be affecting tornado patterns. However, researchers have cautioned against holding climate change entirely responsible for changing weather patterns in Illinois.
Technologies used to detect and predict tornadoes have adapted significantly over the last few decades.
Suburban areas have sprawled, so what once was open land became inhabited. Some of the tornadoes reported now are ones people would have had no reason to see two or three decades ago. Now, those areas are subject to property and personal damage.
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But a warming climate also affects the air. Tornadoes need instability — warm moist air near the ground with cooler temperatures higher up — and wind shear — a change in wind speed or direction — to form. Instability is more potent in the warm seasons.
In Illinois, severe storms and tornadoes can hit any time of the year, not just during spring and summer. They can be as destructive at midday as they can at midnight.
That's why early warning sirens and announcements are crucial in keeping the largest number of people safe. Most of us hear monthly sirens but don't practice drills in basements or interior hallways. We have become dependent on weather apps on our phones to check swirling radar and hope for warning tones; we gravitate to weather channels on our televisions. As much as we are interested in weather, the now-routine "millions are in the path" warnings may be falling on deaf ears.
That's why, in addition to making sure we have weather radios, weather apps and common sense, families also should practice emergency plans so they can find shelter in bad weather and find each other after the skies have cleared.
So, our annual list of suggestions:
• Make sure you have a stash of first aid supplies, water, cash, a blanket and nonperishable food available either in your car or basement, or both.
• Have a pair of sturdy shoes at hand or in your emergency kit.
• Take a first aid class and learn CPR.
• Take a weather-spotter class from the National Weather Service and buy a weather radio. Keep your cell phone fully charged.
A "watch" means tornadoes or severe thunderstorms are possible. A "warning" means a tornado or severe thunderstorm has been detected by radar, or has been reported by a trained storm spotter.
Sirens and warnings mean little if you don't pay attention. When you hear a warning siren, get a cellphone warning or learn about a warning via media, take cover in a sturdy building and stay away from windows.
Severe weather and tornadoes can, and will hit again. Make sure you are prepared.