Take Cover! Tornado Watch Issued for Most of the Ozarks

Folks, this ain’t your average spring afternoon in the Ozarks. Today’s weather is looking downright nasty, and if you live anywhere in the region, you need to be prepared. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Tornado Watch for nearly all of the Ozarks, meaning conditions are ripe for these destructive twisters to form.

Stay Weather-Aware:

• Stay tuned to local news and weather advisories. Don’t rely on sunshine peeking through your curtains – this is a serious situation. Turn on your local news station or weather radio to get the latest updates and instructions from the NWS.
• Download a weather app. Most reputable news outlets and weather services have free apps that will send you real-time tornado warnings and severe weather alerts straight to your phone.
• Follow your local emergency management agency on social media. These agencies are on the front lines of keeping folks safe during emergencies, and they’ll be sharing critical information throughout the day.

Tornado Safety Tips:

• Know your tornado shelter plan. Do you have a basement? An interior room on the lowest floor with no windows? Make sure everyone in your household knows where to go if a tornado warning is issued. Don’t wait until the last minute to figure this out!
• Assemble a disaster kit. This should include non-perishable food, water, a first-aid kit, medications, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, and more.
• If you’re caught outside, find a ditch or other low-lying area and lie flat on your stomach, covering your head with your hands.

Here’s what you can expect today:

The exact timing and location of any potential tornadoes are uncertain, but the threat is expected to linger throughout the day. Stay weather-aware and be prepared to take shelter quickly if a tornado warning is issued for your area.

Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Don’t downplay the threat of severe weather. Take precautions now and stay informed. Let’s all work together to keep our Ozarks communities safe.

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