This winter season in central Illinois has seen both heavy snowstorms and tornadoes, but the seemingly unlikely combination is not new.  Winters in the last decade in the area have consisted of this variety of severe weather events, and meteorologists expect this trend to persist.  With the wide range and high potential for natural disasters, experts are calling for a “culture of preparedness.”

While both extreme heat and cold can be deadly, federal data show 63% of temperature-related deaths came from extreme cold.  Carl Baker, Assistant Director of the Moultrie County Emergency Management Agency, says cold temperatures increase the risk of house fires as people look to warm up.

Experts often recommend putting together an emergency supply kit for the home for those who get stuck.  For travel, they also urge having a similar kit in the vehicle.

Baker says in the long term, conditions in Illinois will continue to be volatile.  He adds that the humidity also adds to the extreme nature of temperatures. 

As for “summer” storms like tornadoes, meteorologists have observed an increase in this threat in Illinois.  Some have even suggested that Tornado Alley – the high-risk region long believed to run through states like Texas and Oklahoma – has shifted in our direction.

More information on the Moultrie County Emergency Management Agency is on their Facebook page. 

Carl Baker appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.