Damaging Winds on the East Coast This Afternoon; In the Central Great Plains Tuesday

The Rest of the Day

The NWS says there is a high chance of damaging winds and a smaller chance of large hail along the East Coast the rest of this afternoon and this evening. 

Please monitor local sources of weather information. Fallen trees are likely along with widespread power outages, if their forecast is correct.

Tuesday Afternoon and Night

There is an enhanced risk of a derecho in the central Great Plains. The hatching means that winds may exceed 75 mph which means widespread power outages. Wind-driven hail is likely along and west of I-35.

Now is the time to prepare. Safety recommendations are below:

• Call friends and relatives to make sure they are aware of the threat, especially if they live in a mobile home. 
• Make sure you have at least three ways of receiving storm warnings. 
• If you live in a mobile home, you may wish to move spend time with a friend or relative when a tornado or severe thunderstorm watch is issued. 
• Ask yourself what you would need if you were without electricity for five days. In some areas it will be longer, but five days is a good planning target.
• If you have a chain saw, fill it with fuel.
• Check your tornado shelter. Make sure it has a couple of bottles of water and, if appropriate, diapers.
• Any essential foods or medicines should be taken care of immediately, well before the storms arrive. 
• Have all of your devices charged but disconnect when you see the first lightning or hear the first thunder.
• Keep the kids in close communication. 
• Bring in lawn furniture, trampolines or anything else that can blow away. 
• Put the car in the garage. 
• Pick any ripe tomatoes!
• Battery-operated fans for the same reason (it will be quite hot the next few days)

You can also follow more for more on Twitter @usweatherexpert.