Tornado watch in these areas: What US states are affected today, May 8
Severe weather continues across the USA. Here are the states that are under a tornado watch, according to meteorologists at the National Weather Service.
Some areas of the United States continue to face severe weather with storms, hail, wind and tornadoes. As of this Wednesday, the National Weather Service (NWS) has reported that several parts in a number of states in the country are under a tornado watch.
Parts of Kansas and Missouri are under a tornado watch until 7:00 p.m. CT. Areas under alert include Pittsburgh, Joplin, Neosho, Springfield, Branson and Fort Leonard Wood.
Additionally, the NWS has issued another tornado watch for some parts of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee until 9:00 p.m. CT. Areas under alert include Evansville, Elizabethtown, Bowling Green, Clarksville, Nashville and Cookeville.
For more information on current tornado warnings, check the National Weather Service website or social media.
You may be interested in: What is ‘Tornado Alley’ and which states are in it?
What does a tornado watch mean?
The Tornado Watch means that tornadoes are possible in and near the area for which the alert was issued. The surveillance area is typically large, spanning numerous counties or even states.
Additionally, the NWS may share a tornado warning, which means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar and that there is imminent danger to life and property. Warnings typically cover a much smaller area (about the size of a city or small county).
What to do during a tornado?
If a tornado warning is issued for your area, you should seek shelter immediately. If you have a tornado shelter or basement, stay there. If this is not available, go to the lowest floor of your home and take shelter in an interior room away from windows, such as a closet or bathroom.
You can also get under something sturdy, like a heavy table, and cover yourself with blankets or a mattress for added protection. Consider putting on a helmet, as head injuries are the leading cause of death in a tornado.
It is recommended that you have an emergency kit ready with essential supplies, including water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and any necessary medications.