severe weather

Yesterday afternoon, it got a little weather crazy in and around the Rockford area, with thunder and lightning, heavy winds, and the storm sirens going off.

If you're never 100% certain of what these alerts mean, this example will help but might make you hungry.

On the evening of April 9th, 2015, an extremely violent and long-lived tornado tore through the communities near Rochelle and in Fairdale, leaving 2 dead and 11 injured.

While we've gotten more than our share of rainfall in the Rockford area, other parts of the state were getting rain--and some other things.

We have hard more than our share of weird weather this summer and this afternoon we are expecting quite a storm.

Weather could turn hazardous this afternoon and tonight, with the possibility of quarter size hail in the Rockford area.

If you haven't been outside today to notice, it's really windy in Rockford today. As a matter of fact, we have a high wind warning in effect until 6pm, with sustained winds of 30-40 mph, along with gusts that could exceed 60 mph. Yeah, that's pretty windy, and it does call for caution.

It's early in the season, but we've already gotten several examples of Mother Nature's power with storms and tornadoes here in our area. Other places across the U.S. are getting a taste of the same thing. Case in point, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, Monday morning around 10:30:

So, how do you convert your backyard swimming pool into a bubbly, swirling, jacuzzi-like experience? You let mother nature do it! Just a reminder, springtime weather can be crazy and/or scary at times. We keep you updated throughout the day on the latest weather conditions with Eyewitness News Chief Meteorologist Candace King, and always feature up-to-date conditions on our website...