Twin States Weather Blog

Ready for the Weekend

* Tough forecast. A cold front will push through tomorrow, bringing an increase in clouds. There could be a few showers and perhaps even a thunderstorms. Any storms that form could have some small hail, but this threat should be confined to the extreme southwestern part of the state.

* A general decrease in the number of showers on Sunday. The front will stall south of us, and that's where the rain will be focused.

* The turbulent times arrive Monday afternoon. A strong area of low pressure will develop over the south-central Plains. This low pressure will be accompanied by a strong negative tilt trough and strong dynamics. This combination of factors will likely set the stage for a round of severe thunderstorms by Monday afternoon into Tuesday morning. The 0z run of the NAM model is out, and it continues to indicate this possibility.

* If you have a severe weather safety plan, NOW is the time to review your plan. Make sure that your weather radio is functioning properly.

* IF you do not have a severe weather safety plan, NOW is the time to talk with your family about what you'll do in the event of a tornado warning. The first step is having a reliable way to receive warnings. NOAA Weather Radio is the best way. They are available at all electronics stores, and this weekend provides you a good time to go pick one up.

* Here are a few pointers on developing your severe weather safety plan:

- Get low! Get as low as you can, a basement if you have one. If not, lowest floor of your home.

- Get in! Get as far "in" your house as you can. Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.

- Evacuate mobile homes. They make great homes in calm weather, but simply aren't designed to withstand tornado winds. The best option is to prepare well ahead of time. Find a friend or relative who lives in a house and spend the day (or night) with them. If that's not an option, get out of your mobile home when a warning is issued. Once you hear about a tornado warning for your county, find the nearest ditch and get in it while covering your head.

- Stay out of the car! Cars are the worst places to be in tornadoes. Again, find a nearby ditch and cover your head. DO NOT go under an overpass; winds there are actually stronger.

* If you have any questions about what YOU should do if a tornado warning is issued, PLEASE e-mail me. I'm more than willing to answer any question you have. The only "stupid" question is one that should have been asked.

* Have a GREAT weekend!

posted by WTOK Weather Staff @ 9:44 PM