06/11/2026
Information from Macon County Emergency Management Agency
PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS:
• Review your emergency plans to ensure they are current and understood by everyone in your household or organization.
• Replace batteries in NOAA Weather Radios and confirm they are working properly.
• Evaluate emergency kits and restock any missing or expired supplies.
• Identify and review shelter locations, and make sure everyone understands when and how to use them during severe weather.
• Put on sturdy shoes when warnings are issued, ideally when a watch is issued to allow extra time before taking shelter. You do not want to be caught barefoot in an area impacted by debris.
It is also critical to have multiple ways to receive emergency information, including:
NOAA Weather Radio
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on mobile phones
Local television and radio media
Outdoor Warning sirens (this is only if you are outdoors)
NIGHTTIME WARNING CONSIDERATIONS
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are a vital part of our personal warning systems. However, relying on them alone at night can be dangerous. What if your phone was not charged, left in another room, or left in your vehicle? What if there is a delay in receiving an alert?
A NOAA Weather Radio is your “indoor tornado siren.” When properly programmed and with fresh batteries to power if there is a power outage, it will sound a loud alarm when warnings are issued for your area and will wake you up.
For individuals who are hearing or vision impaired, NOAA Weather Radios can be paired with strobe lights and bed shakers to ensure warnings are received during the night.
Nighttime tornadoes are particularly dangerous and have the potential to be deadly, as people may not be aware that warnings have been issued.
Having reliable alerting methods and a clear shelter plan can save lives. Taking a few minutes now to prepare can make a critical difference during an emergency.
A level 4 severe weather risk covers a large part of central Illinois this evening, north of a Beardstown to Bloomington line. The first storms are expected to affect west-central IL by late morning and early afternoon. A second line of severe thunderstorms is expected to move into areas around Galesburg toward 4-5 pm, reaching I-55 around 7 pm and I-70 toward 9 pm. Damaging winds over 70 mph will accompany the strongest storms, and the tornado potential is highest near the Illinois River Valley. Know where to take shelter when storms arrive this evening, and have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings.
