Tornado sirens at Chicago Midway Airport: what are the government’s recommendations to the population?
Severe weather has battered Chicago, toppling trees and power lines. The National Weather Service said there were three tornadoes that have hit the area.
Severe weather lashed Chicago over the weekend, with three tornadoes whipping the area. Harsh conditions threaten the same zone for a third day, as thunderstorms with the potential to produce large hail, powerful winds, and possible tornadoes have been spotted moving through the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes.
Midway International Airport felt gusts of up to 60 mph over the weekend, and the area remains at thunderstorm risk.
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Tornado Warning including Portage IN, Valparaiso IN and Chesterton IN until 10:45 PM CDT pic.twitter.com/3FG4UrscxT
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) July 16, 2024
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Tornado sirens at Chicago Midway Airport: what are the government’s recommendations to the population?
The City of Chicago has an Emergency Warning System (EWS) used to warn the general population of danger that could occur in a short span of time and also to advise them that it has passed.
The EWS activates the sirens for three minutes during an emergency. When they are in use, the city recommends that the public do the following:
- Seek immediate indoor shelter inside a sturdy building away from windows and glass.
- Tune in to radio or television to get information about the type of emergency and to receive further instructions and recommendations.
- When the threat has passed, the siren will emit a steady wailing signal for three minutes.
- Wait for the all-clear before taking further action.
The city government also reminds people that when a Tornado Watch is issued by the National Weather Service, this means that tornados are possible in the area. They caution the public to remain alert for approaching storms when they receive this weather notification.
When a Tornado Warning is issued by the NWS, it means that a tornado has already been spotted or indicated by the weather.
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