Updated SPC Tornado Forecast

This is, literally, as serious as it gets. A 45% tornado probability is about as high as SPC ever forecasts. In fact, it is issued about once every ten years. 

The probabilities refer to the "chance of experiencing a tornado within a 25 mi. radius of any given point." The hatching refers to the likelihood of violent tornadoes.

I am pleased to see they brought the 10% hatched area into southeast Kansas. The main risk there is after dark. I'll update my overnight forecast later this afternoon.

Below are safety suggestions:

• Because of the higher than average overnight tornado risk, I strongly recommend downloading both the AccuWeather app (scroll down to bottom of page). Be sure to allow location services. 
• Making sure you have turned the emergency notification feature (ENF) your smartphone. Easy instructions are at the red link. 
• If you are in the threat area, put your (fully charged!) smartphone with the AW App and the ENF turned on next to your bed! Turn on your weather radio. You want to be awakened if a tornado warning is issued. 
• Insure your PC and phone are fully charged but take them off the charger before lightning arrives.
• Have a flash light (check the batteries), a couple bottles of water and diapers in your shelter area. Take your cell phone into shelter with you. 
• Always wear shoes into your shelter. 

Finally, I believe far eastern Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri will be under the gun on Tuesday with a tornado threat. I'll post on that early this afternoon.