As an interesting start to February, most of the state is dealing with a wintry system which moved in and plans to stay a while.  Up to and including the forecast of 5-10in may be expected through Friday (2-1-08).

As if January wasn't exciting, we know have our first hail of the year for Marengo, Jan 29 at approx 3:50p.  A small line of what is more considered lighter rain showers dropped us pea size hail for a good 3-4 minutes. This was ahead of a cold front bringing the chance of heavy snow in a few days.  Photos of the hail will be made available when our Image Gallery is developed.

(animated radar screenshot from wunderground.com showing the cell)

At the request of many emails we have received reguarding more information of the recent severe weather outbreak on January 7, 2008 our (TW-WDT) Web Development Team, our gallery is under construction which will feature photos and videos of both this recent weather event as well as past chases and photos. Further information will be available as this project is under development.

Dangerously low wind chills are expected as a system continues to move across the area. Lows could be expected to go into the negatives with wind chills flowing into the -20 to -35 range through the early part of the weekend. Rural regions of Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin could see blowing snow as winds will continue to be strong through the weekend.

2 Miles North of Harvard We Spotted a Tornado on the Ground

We spotted and reported a tornado on the ground in northern McHenry County today just before 4:00pm CST.  The tornado moved across Route 14 heading northeast and destroyed a shed and knocked over a semi-truck.  Some of the debris from the shed took out some power lines on the east side of the road.  The driver of the truck was unharmed despite his truck being blown over and sliding on the road for several feet.

Here is a link to download the abridged version of the tornado:  http://www.transitweather.com/videos/tornado.mpg

 

 

*More pictures coming soon!