Tornado Watch: Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois

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…as well as two counties in far northeast Missouri. A new tornado watch has been issued ahead of the dangerous line of thunderstorms now moving through central Iowa:
This watch is scheduled to expire at 7pm CDT. It does not include Chicago at this time. I also disagree there is a "low" chance of EF-2+ intensity tornadoes. I would characterize the threat of any tornado as "high" and of EF 2-3 intensity tornadoes as "moderate." In this type of situation, relatively strong leading-edge tornadoes can occur. In addition to tornadoes, SPC is forecasting gusts to 85 mph!

Here are some safety suggestions for this particular situation. Please review if you are in the tornado watch.
  • Go to the ATM and get some extra cash well before the storms approach. 
  • Fill your car's tank with gas or charge your electric car. 
  • Derechoes can move very quickly. Make sure your children and infirm relatives are accounted for at all times and can be easily and quickly sheltered. 
  • Know -- now -- your sheltering plan if a tornado warning is issued. 
  • Plan to park your car in the garage.
  • Bring in lawn furniture, grills, and trampolines.
  • Make sure you have a source of weather information when thunderstorms approach that will work if the power fails. 
  • Be sure your shelter has a flashlight, batteries, a bottle of water. Wear shoes and take your cell phones.
Note: I am not live-blogging the storms. AccuWeather is providing continuous coverage. 

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