Tornado Outbreak Forecast to Occur This Afternoon and Tonight

The NWS SPC is forecasting a major tornado risk the rest of today and through tonight. 

Please read the following information and make sure friends and relatives are aware. 

There were a number of tornado watches and warnings this morning. But, more storms will develop and they will produce tornadoes along with damaging winds (gusts of 75+ mph) and giant hail (2" or larger). Huntington WV clocked a wind gust of 92 mph this morning. 

The color code:

• Hatching means "strong" tornadoes ( ≥EF-2 intensity) are forecast to occur.
• The red area has a high risk of tornadoes forming. 
• The yellow area has an enhanced risk of tornadoes. 
• The brown area has a significant risk. 

It is important to note that, in the South, tornadoes are forecast to occur after dark. 

Please follow me on Twitter for updates:  @usweatherexpert. 

Now is the time to prepare!

• In areas with basements or if you have a storm shelter or safe room, make sure it is ready to go with bottles of water, no cobwebs, diapers if appropriate. At the time a tornado warning may be issued, remember to wear shoes and take any critical medicines with you. 
• If you do not have a basement or storm shelter, take shelter in the middle of you home in a small room such as a closet or bath. The idea is to put as many walls between you and the tornado. Getting into the bathtub is a good idea. 
• If you live in a mobile home, and you do not have ready access to a storm shelter, it is a good idea to go to a friend or relative's home when a tornado watch is issued. You can find a national map of public storm shelters here. 
• Put the car in the garage or under a carport. Bring in outdoor furniture and other items that may be blown about. 

To give you an idea how strong the storms have already been, there are 300,000+ without power in West Virginia.