After a topsy-turvy winter — the area recently recorded temperatures in the upper 60s and tornado warnings one night with snow and 28 degrees the next morning — spring arrived at 9:46 Central Friday. Even the most ardent lovers of winter must be happy to know warmer days soon will become the norm.
Our ancestors celebrated the end of winter, but not with basketball tourneys and the start of baseball. The Greeks believed it was the goddess Persephone bringing warmth and flowers with her as she returned from the underworld. Vikings thought spring meant Baldur had been resurrected, marking the victory of light over darkness. Celtic people planted seeds, decorated eggs, feasted and took long walks in nature to mark the change in seasons.
Even the tradition of spring cleaning traces its roots to those who believed scrubbing floors and opening windows allowed the winter’s negative energy to escape and created room for new growth.
Local residents already experienced one of the other traditions of spring — severe weather. Part of Vermilion County found itself in a tornado warning last week. Luckily, no twister touched down nearby.
Illinois already has recorded more than 30 tornadoes so far in 2026. Hopefully, that’s not an indication of what the rest of spring will bring. The state has seen an upswing in tornadoes, however, with 126 recorded in 2024 and more than 140 last year.
The National Weather Service issues watches and warnings when severe weather heads our way. Part of that information comes from people who serve as storm spotters. After completing training — visit weather.gov/ilx/spotter for details on spotter training scheduled for April 7 in Urbana and an online session on April 11 — local volunteers go out to keep eyes on the sky and relay accrual conditions to the weather service.
Those recent severe storms also should serve as a reminder that everyone should stay alert to the weather. With so many people watching streaming services, it can be easy to miss warnings from local television stations. Local residents can sign up to receive messages on cell phones from the Vermilion County Emergency Management office by visiting vercounty.org/emergency-management and completing the online form.
Families also should develop a plan to ensure their safety should severe weather threaten the area. Designate a safe place for family members to gather. It’s also recommended to put together an emergency weather kit with medicines used by family members, a battery-powered radio with extra batteries, a flashlight, first aid kit and some cash.
The arrival of spring certainly is worth celebrating, but don’t wait for thunder to rattle the windows before preparing for severe weather.