Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Forecast

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I believe there is a significant risk of tornadoes late this afternoon and through about midnight to 1am.

In addition, there is a good chance of large hail in this region:
The yellow is the significant risk threshold. The hatched area is where hailstones 2" or larger are forecast to fall.

Since people travel for Mother's Day, here are some reminders of what to do when there is a tornado risk:
In addition to these excellent suggestions, I have a few more:

  • Make sure you have some extra money in your wallet. ATMs and credit cards are useless in a widespread power outage.
  • You need to be planning now for your children, elderly relatives and the infirm as to what to do if a tornado warning is issued. If you have a unique situation (a relative that can't go down the basement stairs to shelter), go pick them up when the watch is issued. Don't wait for a warning. 
  • If your children are in a district (like Wichita's, for example) where every school has a safe room for the entire student body and you live in a mobile home (for example) don't be in a hurry to pick them up at school. Safety (a safe room) should trump emotion (you want to have them with you in a crisis). 
  • The above said, every school district seems to have a different policy about keeping children (rather than dismissing) if storms are in the area. If you are not certain as to the policy, find out now rather than waiting until a possible crisis tomorrow. 
  • Make sure your cell phone, computer and flashlight are charged and/or have fresh batteries. 

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