03/19/2025
𝟯/𝟭9/𝟮𝟱 *𝗘𝗢𝗖 𝗪𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧*
Fulton County is under both a SLIGHT risk and a MODERATE risk for severe weather. Why? Because we are overachievers here.
Also, a “RED FLAG WARNING” is in effect for Fulton County. Please do not burn anything outside. Because dusty and smoky air isn’t going to make things any better. Red flag warning is in effect from 1PM to 7PM.
We’ve had a conference call with the NWS and the key takeaway is the potential for damaging winds and tornados. This differs from the Friday storms in two key ways:
• There’s not a lot of strong winds aloft in the upper atmosphere.
• There’s not a lot of directional sheer which is a key factor in tornado development.
• That and it’s a Wednesday not a Friday but at this point it all seems to blend together.
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆:
• Damaging winds and heavy rains. The higher hail threat is south of the County but can not be ruled out. Storm movement should be rather fast, helping lower flash flooding potential.
• Winds will be gusty this afternoon. Wind gusts of 50 MPH currently occurring and will continue into Saturday. Please be careful if traveling in high profile vehicles. If you encounter any pockets of dense dust clouds, slow down, pull over and do not drive into any dust plumes.
• Don’t Burn today or tomorrow.
• It’s anticipated the storms will develop over in IA/MO and travel east north east at a very high rate of speed. If storm movement is around 40 to 50 MPH, the storm would likely travel across the County within 30-45 minutes. If weather warnings are issued for the County or near the County – take action-.
• Thursday– 3/20/2025: Travel may be hazardous in the morning. We may see around 1” of snowfall total for the County overnight between 1AM and 6AM. Yes. We are trying for all types of weather in one day because again – we are overachievers.
• There’s a 60% chance of a weather WATCH being issued for the County. Apparently the weather magic 8 ball is covered in dust from this morning so that part isn’t clear right now.
𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴:
• Right now, storm timing is appearing to be around the 1PM to 6PM timeframe. Storms will likely enter from the south west and travel north east.
𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲:
• Please be prepared for a severe weather event later today. Taking preparedness actions *NOW* will help you in the event of an emergency and help our first responders
• Do you have a home emergency kit? Do you have first aid supplies, snacks, bottled water, food for pets (or their fave breakfast cereal)? Flashlights? Whistle? Change of clothes?
• Do you have a NOAA All Hazard Alert Radios? With this event, the storms are likely to be fast moving. Be sure you can be immediately informed if severe weather strikes and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.
• Sign up for the Fulton County Emergency Alerting System by texting FCEOC to the number 888777 and you will be enrolled in the platform. Also, the FCSD has an app which provides storm warning information and other useful information about their agency. Search for “Fulton County Sheriff, IL” in the app store on your mobile device to find it.
• Run a copy of all important documents such as the insurance paperwork, drivers licenses, really epic photos of your cat (probably kids photos too if there’s room) and put them in a safe or other hardened location.
• Have a plan! Know where to go when a WATCH is issued. Know where to go when a WARNING is issued.
• If an area is impacted by severe weather – STAY AWAY. It is understandable residents want to help, but this can lead to slowing down emergency responders and put your safety at risk. Also treat ANY downed wire or cable like it is a high voltage or power line. Do not go near or move any downed wires.
Help first responders by being prepared, stay away from any damage areas and seek shelter if warnings/watches are issued. Have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings.
Thanks for being a part of our page!
The Fulton Democrat Office
