If thunder roars, go indoors. 

It’s another day of severe weather for people living in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions of the country. Thunderstorms, large hail, damaging winds and strong tornadoes threaten the area following storms that moved through the same neighborhoods yesterday, leaving more than 200,000 customers without power as extremely warm temperatures blanket the area.

The National Weather Service reports severe thunderstorms capable of causing large hail, intense tornadoes and damaging wind gusts are likely across parts of the Upper Mississippi Valley and Midwest, with excessive rainfall bringing a flooding threat to portions of the Central Plains. Additional power outages are possible in the region as dangerously high humidity and temperatures blanket most of the U.S., including the communities under the gun for severe storms. Several major cities could be affected, including Chicago, Milwaukee, New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore.

RED CROSS RESPONSE The American Red Cross is monitoring the weather closely to launch additional relief responses as disaster teams support people impacted during yesterday’s storms.

In Illinois, Red Cross teams are fanning out across the Chicago area, which felt the brunt of yesterday’s weather. The teams have shelters open and are working with local partners and agencies to support those in need.

Throughout the region, the storms damaged structures and downed trees and power lines. The Red Cross is supporting damage assessment where it is safe to do so, opening shelters if needed. In addition, several homes on the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota were damaged and Red Crossers are distributing tarps with more storms on the way. The severe weather also caused damage in Wisconsin and Michigan and the Red Cross is supporting those affected.

Multiple tornadoes touched down near Kirksville, Missouri and wildfires sparked in Toulle County, Utah and Trinidad and Garfield counties in Colorado. Red Crossers are helping there, as well as in Saline County, Kansas where power outages continue in the extreme heat.

EXTREME HEAT SAFETY Information on how to stay safe during extremely warm weather is available here.

POWER OUTAGE SAFETY During a power outage, unplug appliances and electronics to avoid damage from power surges. Leave one light on so you’ll know when power is restored. Check with loved ones and neighbors to see if they need help. You could save a life just by sending a text, making a call or knocking on their door.

• Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns — not candles — to help avoid fires.
• Don’t drive unless necessary. Traffic lights will be out, and roads could be congested.
• Decide if you need to leave if your home is too hot or cold, or if you have medical devices that need power.
• To prevent illness, keep food cold. When in doubt, throw it out. Eat fresh, perishable foods first. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help keep food cold. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Throw out perishable food that has been warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• If you’re using a generator, keep it dry and don’t use it in wet conditions.
• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal burning device inside a home, garage, basement or other partially enclosed area. Keep this type of equipment outside and away from doors, windows and vents. Plug appliances directly into the generator. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet. Operate the generator on a dry surface and don’t touch it with wet hands.

SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY If thunder roars, go indoors. Seek shelter inside a sturdy building and go to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass windows and doors.

• Lightning can be dangerous even when you’re inside. Avoid using devices connected to electrical outlets. Avoid running water as lightning can travel through plumbing and water lines.
• No place outside is safe when thunderstorms are nearby. • Sheds, gazebos, dugouts and bleachers don’t protect from lightning or high winds.
• Avoid taking shelter under a tree as they’re often hit by lightning, and you could be injured.
• Being in a vehicle is safer than being outside; however, if you have time, drive to the closest sturdy building, and take shelter inside.
• If you’re driving and can’t get to a sturdy building, pull off the road and park in a place where falling trees and power lines won’t hit you.
• Flash flooding happens quickly. Move to higher ground before floodwaters reach you. Never walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. Turn around, don’t drown.