Mother Nature is revving up for a wild Thursday, with the National Weather Service putting 16 states on notice for potential tornadoes and powerful thunderstorms. From the Northeast down to the Gulf Coast, millions of people should be bracing for what could be a dangerous day of severe weather.
States in the Crosshairs
The warning covers a broad swath of the eastern U.S., including New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, and Florida. That's a lot of territory, and the storms could roll through at any point during the day.
This isn't just a typical thunderstorm alert—forecasters are highlighting the potential for significant tornadoes. If you live in any of these areas, now is the time to double-check your emergency plans. For a deeper look at how severe weather patterns are evolving, check out our coverage of 14 states on high alert as 60 mph winds threaten travel and power.
What to Do When Tornadoes Strike
Staying safe during a tornado isn't complicated, but it requires quick thinking. Here's a refresher on the basics:
At Home
If a tornado warning is issued for your area, head to the lowest level of your home—ideally a basement or a safe room. If you don't have one, pick an interior room away from windows, like a bathroom or closet. And if you have pets, grab them if you can. Every second counts.
At Work or School
Follow the tornado drill you've practiced. Move calmly to the designated shelter area, staying away from windows and large open spaces like gyms, cafeterias, or auditoriums. The goal is to put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.
If You're Outside
Don't mess around. Find a sturdy building immediately. Sheds, storage units, mobile homes, and tents won't cut it—they can be destroyed in seconds. Get inside a real structure as fast as you can. For more on how extreme weather is impacting different regions, read about the tropical cyclone threatening Gulf states with 12 inches of rain.
In a Vehicle
Cars are not safe in a tornado. Your best bet is to drive to the nearest shelter. If that's not possible, either stay in the car, buckle up, and cover your head, or get out and lie flat in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine. Never try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
The National Weather Service recommends keeping a NOAA Weather Radio handy and staying tuned to local news for updates. This is a dynamic situation, and conditions can change fast. Don't rely on a single alert—stay plugged in throughout the day.
For additional context on how weather events are affecting sports schedules and fan safety, take a look at our report on three Midwest states bracing for up to 4 inches of rain today. And if you're in the South, you might also want to check out the scorching heat alert for Arizona and Texas—though that's a different kind of danger, it's a reminder that extreme weather is hitting hard across the country.
Stay safe out there, everyone. Keep your head up, your phone charged, and your eyes on the sky.
