In 2026, Illinois has set a new annual record number of tornadoes (by July), set a new state hailstone record, and withstood flash floods, derechos, and seemingly everything in between — and it’s only September! Let’s review some of the severe weather in Illinois this year so far. Record Tornadoes Tornado outbreaks are days in […]
Category: Hazards
Staying Ahead of Intense Precipitation in Illinois
The Prairie State is no stranger to intense precipitation and consequential flooding. However, the frequency and intensity of rainfall have been increasing in recent decades, putting a renewed focus on the information, warning systems, planning and preparation needed to protect Illinois from the threat of intense rainfall. Intense Rainfall Background The philosopher Luke Bryan argued, […]
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Flooding – Deadly Risk in Illinois with 28 Deaths in 19 Years
Right now the attention is on the widespread flooding in Texas and Oklahoma, with the number of deaths sitting at 21 and climbing. Illinois has been faced with deadly flooding in the past. An examination of the national storm database reveals that Illinois has had 28 flood-related deaths in the last 19 years*. Here are […]
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Lightning Deaths Decline
Good news for this Friday – lightning deaths have fallen dramatically since 1940. Using data from the NOAA NWS weather hazards page, reported lightning deaths in the US have declined to the point that they are now one-tenth of the number in the early 1940s. I am not an expert on lightning deaths. However, I […]