Illinois Emergency Management Agency

Are you ready for sweltering weather?

We'll have some starting Sunday. If it was just one day of 90°+ heat and humidity, it's not as taxing on the human body as several days in a row of that weather.

This about your plans and how to stay cool to avoid heat illness.

Below, IEMA-OHS is on the ground in Charleston, Illinois following the recent severe weather that left a path of destruction throughout the community.

Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by these storms. Damage assessments are underway and we are actively coordinating with state, federal, local, and non-profit partners regarding assistance.

Make sure you know the difference between a tornado warning and a tornado watch. As severe weather moves through southern Illinois, it could save your life.

If you had damage to your home, garage, vehicles, or possessions, keep a quick list of the damage handy, even if you're not planning to file with your insurance company due to the deductible.

Then monitor information from your city or county emergency management agency because it may be gathering that information for a disaster proclamation or disaster declaration.

Your damage costs could be important to the overall report of storm impacts.

A few strong supercells will continue to push across central and southeast Illinois over the next 2 hours. Conditions remain favorable for all significant severe hazards associated with these supercells, including strong tornadoes.

The areas expected for severe weather this afternoon and evening remains largely the same. But every county in Illinois will see something.

We've seen reports of office closures and event cancellations, so if you were planning to brave the weather, check first that the activity is still going on, then double-check the weather conditions and forecast for your specific area.

Another tornado watch has been issued. Also, there's the possibility that a tornado could form very quickly. Be especially tuned in to weather conditions via the closest U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) source (not from your back deck or driveway) and be ready to move to your safe space--basement or lowest-level internal room if no basement--at a moment's notice.

We appreciate the opportunity to have IEMA-OHS Deputy Director Clayton Kuetemeyer on air with NPR Illinois 91.9 UIS this morning to talk about severe weather preparedness in light of the expected storm system today.

Don't be scared. Be prepared.

IEMA reminds you about awareness and preparedness for severe weather | First Listen Clayton Kuetemeyer, Deputy Director of Emergency Management for IEMA, shares best tips and practices as severe weather is predicted for central Illinois again.

Strong winds and flooding are only parts of the weather situation we face today in Illinois. We already have a wind advisory in the southern half of the state and a flood watch in the northern half. And conditions will get worse today.

Always check the current weather conditions, the short-term forecast, and travel paths before setting out today.

Heads up people!

We now have a tornado watch for many Illinois counties. We are very concerned about this storm system and encourage you to pay close attention to weather information all day and evening.