Central Illinois was spared from the worst of the severe weather to hit the Midwest Sunday afternoon, but it should serve as a reminder that severe weather can hit the state any time of year.

Christian County EMA Director Mike Crews says one of the strongest tornadoes to hit Illinois in recent memory was in the month of November.

The National Weather Service has received reports of tornadoes Sunday in Indiana and Ohio, and hail larger than baseball size was reported as close as the St. Louis area. Locally, hail up to nickel size was reported at Taylorville Airport. Crews says residents should never take a forecast for severe weather lightly.

Crews says even as we head into the winter months, that does not end the chances of tornadoes until spring. He says Illinois can and has had tornadoes during every month of the year.