Noon Overview and Tornado Safety Procedures

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Above is the AccuWeather Regional Radar at 11:50am. The storms from Chicago to northeast Arkansas all have the potential to become severe and/or tornadic in the next 30-60 minutes. Other storms in Indiana are starting to show signs of intensification.

Storms are moving NE to ENE. Safety rules below:

When a tornado warning is issued:

Get to the lowest floor, preferably a basement under the stairwell or under heavy furniture such as a pool table.

If you don't have a basement, go to the lowest floor and get into a small closet or bathtub in the middle of the home. Put as many walls between you and the storm as possible. If you have a motorcycle helmet or football helmet, put it on.

In a mobile home, please get to a more sturdy shelter.

Stay home this afternoon, an auto is not a good place when a tornado is approaching.
Get to the lowest floor, preferably a basement under the stairwell or under heavy furniture such as a pool table.

If you don't have a basement, go to the lowest floor and get into a small closet or bathtub in the middle of the home. Put as many walls between you and the storm as possible. If you have a motorcycle helmet or football helmet, put it on.

In a mobile home, please get to a more sturdy shelter.

Stay home this afternoon, an auto is not a good place when a tornado is approaching.

 Three tornado watches from the  Great Lakes to the Ohio River now in effect. Here are suggestions as the storms approaches:

This situation demands your attention if you live in the areas under tornado watches. Here are some safety concepts for your consideration:
  • Power failures are likely, although we cannot forecast exactly where. With that the case, have a flashlight with batteries. 
  • Have your cell phone charged.
  • Fill your car's gas tank.
  • Get an inverter (Radio Shack sells them) or car charger so you can charge your cell phone and laptop from your automobile.
  • Go to the ATM and get cash.
With the major tornado risk today, I urge you to take responsibility for your own safety! Take shelter if a tornado warning is issued. 
  • You may wish to reconsider going to one of the football games. If you decide to go, have your own source for the tornado warnings and go to the concourse on the lower level if a tornado warning is issued. Don't wait for the stadium announcer. 
  • The seating area, especially the upper deck, of a stadium is not safe in any thunderstorm due to lightning, high winds, and wind-driven hail. 
If you have friends or relatives in these areas, please send this to them. 

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