MAY 8 Midwest Storms

This morning, while driving to work, I decided to turn off the radio and opened my windows a smidge. The air was the perfect temperature and it was sunny out. What a beautiful start to the day, I thought.

I wrote articles yesterday and Monday about how bad the weather is supposed to be today and I wondered if all that was a bunch of bunk. Better to be safe than sorry, right? So, when I got to work, I hopped on over to the National Weather Service page hoping to see that they changed our forecast to sunny and 75 today.

Nope.

Some places have actually been upgraded. Parts of our listening area are now under a Moderate or Level 4 (out of 5) risk of very severe weather. Some of us are still in an Enhanced or Level 3.

The NWS said this in a Facebook post:

An outbreak of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes is possible through tonight. All modes of severe weather, including damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes, will be possible. A couple significant tornadoes are also possible. Flash flooding is also likely where thunderstorms train over the same locations.

NWS

READ MORE: Twister Talk: 15 Tornado FAQs

NOAA

The Timing of the Storms

11 A - 4 P: Supercells with large hail and tornadoes possible.
4 P - 9 P: Bowing MCS with widespread damaging winds and embedded supercells with tornadoes possible.
7 P - 12 A: Bowing MCS with widespread damaging winds and embedded supercells with tornadoes possible.

NWS

Get Prepared

Because the storms could happen overnight, it's important to have multiple ways to receive alerts.

NOAA Weather Radio
Wireless Emergency Alerts (like your phone)
Outdoor Sirens
Internet Sites
From Family and Friends
Local TV and Radio (heyyyooo - download our app)

Get our free mobile app

NWS

If the weather turns dangerous, we will be going wall-to-wall with our weather partners at Eyewitness News. You can listen on any radio or via our app.

Get our free mobile app

Have an Emergency Kit

Here's what ready.gov recommends having in a kit.

Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlight
First aid kit
Extra batteries
Whistle (to signal for help)
Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
Manual can opener (for food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Additional Emergency Supplies

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
Prescription medications. About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Cash or traveler's checks
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children