Potentially Significant Severe Weather Tonight
Flash Flooding, High Winds Possible for Entire Chicago Area
With potentially significant severe weather anticipated throughout the entire Chicago area this evening, residents are encouraged to prepare ahead of time and make sure they have a way to receive weather warnings.
Currently, a Flash Flood Watch is in effect for Naperville from 4PM this afternoon through late tonight. Department of Public Works employees have been checking water basins and clearing inlets throughout the day in anticipation of the heavy rains. In addition, City staff is working to have an interactive map showing flooded streets ready for the City’s website if needed. Crews will remain on stand-by throughout the night monitoring the latest forecasts.
During and immediately prior to severe weather incidents, residents should tune in to their preferred local media outlet, NOAA Weather Radio and the National Weather Service website atwww.crh.noaa.gov/lot/ for the latest weather updates.
Below are some important safety tips to remember if a weather warning is issued for the area:
- If storms are near, remain indoors where you can seek shelter. If you are outdoors, be ready to move to a designated shelter quickly. Remember, cars offer no shelter from tornadoes.
- If a severe weather warning is issued, get inside a substantial structure and stay away from windows.
- Lawn furniture, trampolines, trash cans, unanchored basketball poles, fences, signs and other objects can be toppled or become airborne in severe thunderstorm winds. Take precautions now to move these objects indoors or secure them.
- Do not touch or drive over downed power lines.
In the event of a tornado warning, it is important to follow these safety rules from the National Weather Service:
- If you are in a home, go to the basement. The southwest corner (or any corner) does not offer the best protection. Get under the stairs or a under a heavy piece of furniture. If there is no basement, go to a small interior room on the lowest floor, such as a closet, bathroom or hallway. Do not open windows. Stay away from windows.
- If you are in a vehicle, make plans to go to a nearby substantial structure when a tornado watch is issued, before the storm hits. Bridges or overpasses are not good storm shelters – they can act as wind tunnels. If a tornado is approaching and there is not time to get to a place of safety, get out and lie flat on the ground in a low spot or ditch.
For more information on the City of Naperville, visit www.naperville.il.us.
