Mokena Emergency Services & Disaster Agency

Non-Emergency Phone: 708-479-3922

E-mail: mokenaesda@hotmail.com

Tornado Season in Illinois

One of the most significant threats that the Mokena area is faced with is from tornadoes and severe storms. Tornadoes can produce winds in excess of 300 miles per hour and can destroy even the most well-built homes. Mokena lies within an area nicknamed Tornado Alley because of the frequency of tornadoes striking our area. As recently as 1997 Mokena was hit with a tornado that damaged several businesses and caused over $1,000,000 in damages. Fortunately, no one was injured.

One of the reasons that tornadoes are so dangerous is because they can develop rapidly with little or no warning. Even with advances such as doppler radar and outdoor warning sirens, tornadoes can strike before they can be detected and a warning is issued.

Watching for the signs that tornadoes can develop is the first step in being prepared. Tornadoes are typically born out of thunderstorms that develop on hot, humid days when cooler, drier air is moving into the area. Typically, these weather conditions are present during the late afternoon hours during the months of March through July, although they can develop any time during the year.

When conditions are right for tornadoes to develop, the National Weather Service issues a tornado watch. When a tornado watch is issued, you should be alert for changing weather conditions.