When, Where Are Tornadoes Most Likely Around Chicago?
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Tornadoes can hit at any time of year, but here in the Midwest, they're more likely in April, May and June and more likely in certain areas near Chicago.
With the disaster that is unfolding after a massive twister struck Joplin, Mo., over the weekend, Illinois State Climatologist Dr. Jim Angel says this tornado season has been one of the worst in a long time.
CBS NEWS: Joplin, Mo. Death Toll Hits 116
"It's been a very active, very catastrophic year as far as tornadoes go," he said
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Angel has created a map showing every tornado that has occurred in Illinois, going back to 1950.
All 2,267 of them. You can view the map by clicking here.
"The grandfather of them all was back in 1925, the infamous Tri-State tornado," he said. "And that caused 695 deaths, from that one, so that's the worst one on record so far."
There are a couple areas close to Chicago considered hot spots:Kankakee and Will counties.
"There's something about that area that seems to be a little more active relative to areas farther north," he said
Angel says on the positive side, because of technology, people are getting more warning time to prepare.
