Millions of people across the Southeast are facing a high risk of severe weather and strong tornadoes today.

The National Weather Service reports this severe weather threatens to bring strong tornadoes, heavy rain, damaging winds and large hail to an area stretching from eastern Texas into the lower Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys and southern Appalachians.

Parts of Mississippi and Alabama could see supercells form ─ storms that can last for hours, responsible for producing violent tornadoes, large hail and destructive winds. The risk for these dangerous storms grows through late this afternoon into this evening.

The American Red Cross has disaster teams standing by to help if needed. People should make their emergency preparations now. Learn what steps to take to get your household ready here.

STEPS TO HELP YOU STAY 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. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.

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.
• Practice a tornado drill with your entire household by moving quickly to the nearest safe location.
• Stay informed about potential thunderstorms and tornadoes by monitoring local weather reports and signing up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
• 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.
• Keep listening to radio, TV or other news sources. 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.

THUNDERSTORM SAFETY If thunder roars, go indoors. If the forecast calls for thunderstorms, postpone outdoor activities. Watch for storm signs, such as darkening skies, lightning flashes and increasing wind.

• Turn around, don’t drown. Flash flooding happens quickly. Move to higher ground before floodwaters reach you. Never walk, swim or drive through floodwaters.
• 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.