Severe Weather

Severe Weather

Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Severe storms are POSSIBLE. Continue with normal activity but continue to monitor the circumstances.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Severe thunderstorms are OCCURRING. Prepare to move to a place of shelter if threatening weather approaches. Monitor local television/radio stations for storm updates.

Tornado Watch: Tornados are POSSIBLE. Monitor local television/radio stations and be prepared to take shelter.

Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar within the warning area specified. Persons in the path of the storm should seek immediate shelter. Turn on battery operated radios to monitor the storm situation and wait for the "all clear" or end of the warning period to be announced.

Important Note: The tornado warning sirens are manually activated from the Galesburg Public Safety Building Duty Office and will be sounded in the event that a tornado has been observed by a trained weather spotter and/or the National Weather Service Doppler radar has indicated "rotation" in a storm in the Galesburg area.

Shelter Information: Seek shelter in a basement or inside hallway at the lowest level. Stay away from windows, outside doors and corners. Avoid areas with "wide span" roofs such as auditoriums, gymnasiums, cafeterias and large hallways. If outdoors get to a substantial building. If there are no buildings available lie in a ditch, culvert, or low-lying area until the storm has passed.

As a reminder: There will be no "all clear" message sounded through the siren system. It is recommended that community members should monitor local media sources or a weather radio during any storm to confirm when the storm threat has expired.

Snow Emergency

The City of Galesburg may issue a snow emergency when two inches of snow have accumulated and it continues to snow. During such declarations the city ordinance requires that vehicles be moved from all city streets to permit the streets to be plowed.

Vehicles not moved to College parking lots or other off-street parking areas will be subject to City Snow Emergency Citations ($50), towing (estimated at $75) and subsequent storage fees ($25 per day). Vehicles may be returned to the street (if necessary) after both sides of the street have been plowed.