Today, a better understanding of tornadoes, new technology such as Doppler radar, faster communications, and better Skywarn storm spotting networks, allow meteorologists to provide more accurate and timely warnings for destructive tornadoes and severe storms.
But in order for the warnings to be effective, people must receive the warnings in a timely manner and take proper actions to protect themselves.

The best way to receive severe weather watches and warnings is with a tone alert NOAA Weather Radio – All Hazards. A weather radio will give you severe weather information direct from your local National Weather Service office. Watches and warnings are preceded by a tone alert that can automatically activate your radio and get your attention with a high pitched alarm – even if storms hit in the middle of the night. Newer S.A.M.E equipped radios can be programmed to only alert you to watches and warnings for a specific county, or group of counties.

In addition, the radios can alert you to a non-weather emergency such as a hazardous material spill or child abduction.

Weather radios can be purchased at many electronics and department stores for 30 to 80 dollars. They are highly recommended for homes, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, day care centers, and businesses. You should also take one along when boating or camping.

You can get up to the minute forecasts, watches, warnings, storm reports, radar images, satellite pictures, climate data, severe weather safety information, and more from NOAA’s National Weather Service online at weather.gov. You can view warnings graphically to see if you are in the path of a warned storm.

For northeast Illinois go to weather.gov/chicago
For northwest Illinois go to weather.gov/quadcities
For central Illinois go to weather.gov/lincoln
For southwest Illinois go to weather.gov/stlouis
For far south Illinois go to weather.gov/paducah

Each National Weather Service issues a Hazardous Weather Outlook every morning. This product highlights any potentially hazardous weather, including severe storms, that is forecast for the next seven days. The Hazardous Weather Outlook is available on NOAA Weather Radio and on the local NWS web pages.