Some powerful storms hit Central Illinois late Tuesday afternoon. Heavy rain and even hail pelted the town of Paxton, Illinois, about half an hour north of Champaign. There was also a tornado on the ground there,

There is a risk of strong to severe storms capable of producing tornadoes in the Chicago area Tuesday afternoon and evening, primarily to the south and west of the city.

An outbreak of severe weather spawned numerous thunderstorm warnings and wind gusts in excess of 70 miles per hour in some locations.

The answer is that it depends on where one is — the policy and plan are different in Chicago than they are in Naperville, for example.

The sirens in St. Louis were not activated ahead of a tornado last week. Sabrina Franza wanted to know about tornado siren activation protocols in Chicago and the suburbs.

Mayor Cara Spencer placed the city’s emergency manager on administrative leave pending an investigation into the failure to warn residents.