Millions of people across Illinois and the greater Midwest face an extremely high risk — 4 out of 5 — of dangerous, long-track tornadoes through the rest of today into tonight. The American Red Cross is closely monitoring conditions across the region, with disaster teams on standby and ready to respond if needed.

The National Weather Service warns that severe thunderstorms capable of producing flash flooding, damaging winds, large hail and potentially “intense” tornadoes are expected across the Central Plains and Midwest, with the threat increasing as the day progresses. Illinois remains in a high-risk area, along with neighboring states including Missouri, Indiana and Kentucky, as this dangerous system moves through the region.

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

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

# # #