Today is the one year anniversary of the EF4 Fairdale, IL tornado that killed two and injured dozens. This time last year I was trying to process what had just happened and what I had seen on my chase. I witnessed an extremely powerful and photogenic wedge tornado dancing across the empty corn/soybean fields of Northern Illinois hoping it missed farm houses and communities like threading a needle. However, word soon got out that the community of Fairdale took a direct hit. Given how the tornado looked during my chase, I knew that there would be fatalities. The day after the tornado in 2015, I was invited by the NWS to assist with the damage survey. The damage I witnessed that day was extremely sobering, but the community members of Fairdale were extremely positive and ready to move on. Today I was reminded of their resilience when I attended the Fairdale memorial dedication service. It was great to see the community bouncing back and looking forward to the future.
Below are two press releases that Tom Parisi (NIU Newsroom),
Walker, and myself worked on over the past two weeks. One is not directly related to Fairdale, but illustrates some key research findings than can be put into light with the Fairdale tornado event. The second press release is a map that Walker and I created that groups videos, photos, and the tornadoes path. It's an interactive story map that illustrates the event from many different view points. I share these in hopes that you folks will enjoy the articles and map while thinking about your own tornado vulnerability. Do you have a plan? Do you know what to do when there is a tornado warning? What about your loved ones? Please, have a plan and take action. It's your life and your responsibility to protect it.
One last link I want to share with you all. This video was taken by Mr. Clarence "Clem" Schultz, a veteran and someone who lost his wife in the Fairdale tornado event. He is lucky and thankful to be alive. I am sharing this video so we can all be reminded of the ugly and SCARY side of nature.
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