Kankakee County, Indiana – Residents recovering from a powerful EF-3 tornado are now being asked to take action within minutes by sharing what they saw and experienced, data that could directly shape future warnings and save lives.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Severe Storms Laboratory, the “Tornado Tales” project is actively collecting first-hand accounts from people in and around recent tornado paths, including hard-hit areas like Kankakee, Aroma Park, Lake Village, and Roselawn. The survey takes roughly 2 to 10 minutes to complete and remains fully confidential.
The effort comes as communities across northwest Indiana continue cleanup and assess structural damage, downed power lines, and disrupted roadways following the EF-3 event. Emergency managers say detailed public input can help pinpoint where warnings succeeded or fell short, especially in fast-moving storms where seconds matter.
Researchers will use the responses to improve how tornado alerts are issued, communicated, and understood at the local level. That includes refining warning polygons, timing, and messaging that reaches mobile devices and broadcasters.
Residents who were in the storm’s path are encouraged to submit responses online or through the QR code circulating in official posts. Additional outreach is expected through the week as recovery continues and more storm assessments are completed.
