About this recording
Published 2026-05-13. Illinois didn’t wait for peak tornado season… it started early. In 2026, the atmosphere began acting strange long before the usual severe weather peak. January brought rare flash flooding, record rainfall, strong winds, and spring-like storm conditions. This archived recording reflects reporting at publication; conditions may have changed.
An archive briefing, not a real-time warning. Follow current instructions from local authorities.
Understand the reports
Use these explainers to interpret the measurements and warnings discussed in disaster coverage. They provide background, not updates to this archived briefing.
