Severe weather has pounded central Illinois over the past weeks. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Ed Shimon with the National Weather Service in Lincoln told Regional Radio that after the severe weather predicted for the late hours of Monday night, things are looking up. 

The uptick in severe weather has been due to a slow-moving jet stream, which is allowing storms to sit right on top of central Illinois. Shimon indicates that the tornado total has already surpassed the yearly average. 

Shimon explains that we are ahead of pace for severe weather compared to last year, however, April's precipitation totals are sitting at just below normal. 

Shimon emphasizes planning for severe weather and having a reliable notification system in the event of a tornado. 

The months ahead are looking warmer than average, we'll have more on that in the days ahead on Regional Radio. In the meantime, learn more at weather.gov.