Dangerous Midwest Wind Situation This Afternoon and Evening

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Noon Update:
"Particularly Dangerous Situation" watch for "a couple of tornadoes" and "wind gusts to 100 mph" until 7pm.

At 12:15pm:
Times of arrival of the derecho in northern Illinois.

Midwest Forecast Forecast for Damaging Winds:
Wind gusts to 100mph will occur with the derecho in the red area. There are already extensive power failures. Prepare now for these winds.
  • Charge your smartphone and laptop before the winds arrive. Take them off the chargers when a warning is issued or when you hear thunder. 
  • Bring in patio furniture and other items that can be blown about. 
  • Make sure you have a several day supply of vital medicines. If not and you are in Chicago, you may have time to get them refilled before the winds arrive. If you haven't already done this, it is likely too late. 
  • When a warning is issued, get into the middle of your home or apartment and away from windows. 
  • Fill your car's fuel tank or electrical charge. 
  • Alter your travel plans. You do not want to be caught in these storms. 
Here is a map of current (11:18am) power failures in Iowa as of noon. Roughly 300,000 people are now without power.


Farther south, there is a lesser - but still significant - risk of damaging winds in the yellow areas. 
This includes St. Louis, Kansas City, Wichita, Woodward, and Amarillo. 

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