“Intense” tornadoes are possible today across the Central Plains and Midwest, with the threat increasing as the day goes on.

Millions of people across the Midwest face an extremely high risk ─ 4 out of 5 ─ of dangerous long-track tornadoes through the rest of the day into tonight. The American Red Cross is closely monitoring the storms with disaster teams on stand-by to respond if needed.

The National Weather Service reports there will be severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, damaging winds, large hail and possible “intense” tornadoes across the Central Plains and Midwest, with the threat increasing as the day goes on. Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky are in the bullseye as the storms move through the region.

Meanwhile, critical fire weather conditions are in place across the Plains states due to strong winds, low humidity and dry vegetation.

As today’s weather threatens, the Red Cross is responding to a tornado that destroyed dozens of homes in Enid, Illinois, and wildfires in Georgia which have already scorched tens of thousands of acres and forced people to leave their homes.

STEPS TO HELP YOU STAY SAFE If you live in the path of these storms or where wildfires threaten, 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.

• Mobile, manufactured, trailer homes and recreational vehicles (RVs) are not safe during storms. Plan ahead by finding a sturdy building where you can seek shelter.
• Stay informed about potential thunderstorms and tornadoes by monitoring local weather reports and signing up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
• A WATCH means be prepared as tornadoes are possible and you should be ready to act fast. A WARNING means take action now as a tornado is near and you need to move to a safe location right away. If a tornado warning is issued, or if you suspect a tornado, go to your safe place immediately. Then use your arms to protect your head and neck.
• Stay in your safe place until the tornado warning ends.
• If the building you’re in has been damaged, be very careful exiting. Don’t go back inside after you leave. Look around for things that might fall or are dangerous.
• Don’t use matches or lighters inside. If you smell gas or see spills that could be flammable, leave immediately.
• If you’re trapped, try to cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.

FLOODING SAFETY During a flood, be prepared to evacuate immediately if local officials advise. Don’t return home until officials say it’s safe.

• Don’t walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. Turn around, don’t drown!
• Stay off the roads. If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way. Just 6 inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock you over, and 12 inches can carry your car away.
• Follow evacuation routes and don’t try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.
• If you’re caught on a flooded road and waters are rising around you, quickly get out of the car, move to higher ground and stay there.

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.

• If you feel you’re in danger, leave immediately. You might not get an official notice to evacuate.
• Know where you’ll go, how you’ll get there and where you’ll stay. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation.
• If you have a car, ensure the gas tank is full and park it facing the direction of your evacuation route.
• Keep your pets in one room, so you can find them quickly if you need to evacuate. •
• Monitor local weather and fires near you. Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
• Stay up to date on evacuation routes and road closures that could impact your plans.
• Limit exposure to smoke and dust. Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in. To help keep your indoor air clean, don’t use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves.