Tornado Watch in Effect for Millions: 'Be Ready to Act Quickly'
Spring is here, and that means it's officially tornado season, so it makes sense that on Thursday, April 2, and into Friday, April 3, a bevy of tornado watches and warnings are being issued across the U.S.
A tornado watch, according the experts at the National Weather Service, means to be prepared for the worst. "Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching," the organization states on their official website. "Acting early helps to save lives."
They add that "watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur." Also, the tornado watch area "is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states."
Tornado Watch in Effect for Millions in Iowa, Illinois, Urging Residents to Be Aware of Their Surroundings and Act Quickly
According to a report from KCCI News in Iowa, "Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are moving across Iowa on Thursday afternoon, with more severe weather expected Friday." Meteorologists Jason Sydejko and David Koeller add that the potential for severe weather is higher on Friday, April 2, because of "more energy in the atmosphere and more favorable winds."
"The highest threat is across southern and southeast Iowa, where storms will spread through into the evening," they continue. "The main thing to watch is how long it takes the warm, moist air to lift into Iowa from the south and how far north it goes before nightfall."
News station KCRG shared the information that Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was under a tornado warning on Thursday afternoon. A tornado warning, according to the National Weather Service, is when "a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building."
The Weather Service in the Quad Cities also shared a post late Thursday, stating, "Two areas of thunderstorms are moving across eastern Iowa and far northwestern Illinois and are capable of producing all severe hazards. Have multiple ways to receive warnings through the evening and remember when thunder roars, go indoors."
Chicago Also Expecting Tornados and Placed Under High Alert, 70 mph Winds
The Chicago area is also at risk of severe weather, including "large tornadoes," according to a report from NBC Chicago.
"The main threats will be tornadoes, especially in the western portions of the area, as well as wind gusts in excess of 70 miles per hour and hail two inches or more in diameter, according to the National Weather Service," they add in the report.
So, what do you do in the case of a tornado watch or warning? "Continue to listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated about tornado watches and warnings," the National Weather Service states. At your home, "If you are in a tornado warning, go to your basement, safe room, or an interior room away from windows." Also, "don't forget pets if time allows."