Millions of people in the center of the country are facing the combined threat of dangerous severe weather and critical wildfire risks that could last into early next week.
The American Red Cross is already responding to wildfires across several states and is monitoring these new risks, preparing to launch additional responses if necessary.
MULTIPLE THREATS The National Weather Service reports severe thunderstorms will cover the Plains, Missouri and Mississippi Valleys today with tornadoes, large hail, flooding and dangerous wind gusts also possible. The storms continue over the next few days with a bigger threat showing up Sunday into Monday when supercell thunderstorms could occur, leading to strong tornadoes, very large hail and damaging winds.
At the same time, conditions are ripe for wildfires ─ intense winds, low humidity and dry vegetation ─ with elevated to critical fire risks issued for the Plains and Midwest.
Meanwhile, severe wildfire conditions occurred in Whitman County in western Nebraska overnight, forcing people to leave their neighborhoods. In Colorado, the Hammer Fire near Colorado Springs also led to evacuation orders. Fires are also burning in Florida and Georgia. Red Cross disaster workers are responding, opening and supporting shelters, ready to support any additional evacuations if necessary.
STEPS TO HELP YOU STAY SAFE If you live in the path of these storms or wildfires, these steps will help keep you and your loved ones safe:
Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time alerts, expert advice in English and Spanish, and available disaster shelter and support locations.
TORNADO SAFETY Find the safest location at places where you spend a lot of time. A basement or a small interior room with no windows on the lowest level of a sturdy building is best.
WILDFIRE SAFETY A wildfire can spread very quickly, leaving you little time to get to safety. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice and obey all instructions from officials.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.