Important Forecast: Tornadoes With Derecho Forecast Tonight

Tornado Risk

There is a significant risk of tornadoes in the brown area. 

Derecho Risk For Winds Up to 90 mph

The area in yellow has a significant risk of wind gusts of 60 mph or stronger. The red area has an enhanced risk of wind gusts of 60 mph or stronger. The purple area has a high risk of gusts of 60 mph or stronger. In the hatched area, derecho-generated winds of 90 mph are possible. 

A derecho is possible. Please keep in mind that wind force is logarithmic which means that an 90 mph gust is far more damaging than a 60 mph gust. 

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. 

With this combination of tornado and derecho risk, I strongly urge the following safety measures:

• Power outages are likely. In situations like these, because of the large geographic area that may be  affected, some may be without power for days.
• Make sure your car is fully fueled. 
• It is a good idea to have some extra cash in case of extensive power failures.
• 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 tonight n and night and have multiple ways of receiving warnings. If you have a weather radio, install fresh batteries. 

Please keep up on the weather, especially from mid-afternoon through tonight.