Tornado Risk Today- Updated 2:15pm; 4th Tornado Watch

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-- original forecast, still valid --

Yesterday saw many tornadoes in the central Plains, several of which were strong. I believe we are in for another day of severe weather only this time a bit farther east. 

Here is the color code for this forecast based on my 4-point scale. Note: the highest on my scale is an extreme risk which is not being forecast today. 
  • Red, hatched = high risk of strong tornadoes. 
  • Yellow, hatched = enhanced risk of strong tornadoes..
  • Brown = a significant risk of tornadoes. 
Large or very large hail is likely over this same region.

Damaging Winds
The purple hatched area has a high risk of wind gusts of 75 mph or stronger. The red area has an enhanced risk of wind gusts of 60 mph. The yellow area has a significant risk of gusts of 60 mph or stronger. 

Safety Recommendations
If you live in a mobile home or need a public shelter, you will find lists and maps here. Please check it now, before the threat of a tornado or extreme winds is imminent. If you have friends or family living in housing without an adequate tornado/extreme wind sheltering area, please give them a call and refer them to the public shelter site. Community shelters saved lives last night. 

I recommend the following safety measures:
  • Make sure your car is fully fueled. 
  • It is a good idea to have some extra cash in case of extensive power failures in the purple area.
  • Your smartphone and laptops should be fully charged -- but disconnect them when you hear thunder to prevent damage from a potential power surge. 
  • If you have a chainsaw, make sure it is fully fueled. 
  • Be sure you monitor the weather today and this evening and have multiple ways of receiving warnings. If you have a weather radio, install fresh batteries. 
  • If you are new to these areas, Lisa Teachman (NBC) in Kansas, Mike Morgan (NBC) out of Oklahoma City, and Doug Heady in Pittsburg-Joplin in Oklahoma do a great job with storm coverage. 

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