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As the weather heats up and people look forward to the end of social distancing, another threat looms. Tornado season is starting in earnest in the US, with several destructive twisters already touching down this year. Disaster relief organizations are likely to have their hands full. There are more tornadoes in the forecast for the weekend.
The reason for this upcoming tornado outbreak? A severe weather system could form along a squall line over the Midwest heading into the weekend. A rapidly-dropping, low-pressure system is developing over the middle of the country. Unseasonably warm, wet air will collide with high-pressure, cold, dry air in the Northeast.
Friday morning, the Storm Prediction Center issued a warning for the Mississippi Valley region. “A significant severe weather outbreak is possible for portions of the middle Mississippi Valley on Saturday,” the statement reads.
“Confidence is increasing for a potentially potent severe weather setup as ingredients needed for this are appearing to favorably align on Saturday.”
The weekend forecast calls for the Southeast to be gripped by summer-like heat throughout Saturday and Sunday. This kicks off a strange, warm trend in the country as we head into next week. This means regions in the Midwest through the Great Lakes could be in danger of severe thunderstorms.
If you live in an area that could be struck by a tornado, don’t panic. There are things you can do to prepare yourself for the storm. Make sure you stormproof your home, bringing in outdoor furniture, clearing any branches near your home and closing any windows.
Make sure you know where in your home is safe to seek shelter. Ideally, a central room on the lowest floor of your home is where you should hunker down. Try to be as far as possible from all windows and outside walls. This will reduce the risk of flying debris hitting you.
You should also have a storm kit on hand for any severe weather. This should include flashlights, batteries, clean clothes and non-perishable foods. It should also have any necessary prescription medications, a battery-powered radio and other items you may need. Make sure you crate your pets in advance of a storm. Shelter them safely in the center of the lower floor of your home along with you.
Keep checking back for more updates on what the weather will look like this coming week.
