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Tropical Storm Elida Has Arrived
What we all feared has begun: we now have the first named storm, Elida, spinning out in the ocean. For now it's a tropical storm, but these things change fast. This isn't a time to panic, but to get ready.
If you or your family live along the coast, or you have loved ones in countries where these storms hit hard, this is your heads-up to prepare BEFORE things get ugly. Once the evacuation order comes, there's no time left to go buy water or batteries.
- Have your kit ready: water, food, documents, medications, and a plan for where to go.
- If an evacuation order is issued, follow it and leave. Don't wait to see what happens.
Follow the storm's path and daily alerts on our Hurricanes page.
Watch Out for Tornadoes in Texas and Severe Storms
Today storms could turn dangerous in several parts of the country. South-central Texas could see a brief tornado, and in fact there's already an active tornado warning. There's also a risk of large hail and winds strong enough to down branches and power poles in the Mid-Atlantic region, plus isolated damaging winds in northern New England, the northern Rockies, the Pacific Northwest, and Arizona.
Translation: if you live in these areas, keep your phone volume up in case an alert goes off.
- Know exactly where you'll take shelter if a tornado warning is issued: an interior room, with no windows, on the ground floor.
- Follow live radar and heed the alerts.
Check the map and details at Severe Storms.
Flooding in the South: Don't Drive Through Water
There are nearly 50 active flood alerts across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Illinois. The rain is piling up and low-lying streets, creeks, and crossings are filling with water fast.
There's one rule that saves lives: if you see a flooded road, turn around. You don't know how deep it is or whether the pavement is even still there underneath.
- Never drive through a flooded road: just a foot and a half of water can float a car and sweep it away.
- Stay away from creeks and low-lying areas under a warning.
Check affected areas at Flooding.
Extreme Heat: Water, Shade, and Breaks
There are 61 active heat alerts, including both watches and extreme heat warnings. This is the silent danger: it doesn't make noise, but it sends people to the hospital every summer, especially those working hard under the sun.
If you work in construction, in the fields, on rooftops, or in delivery, this is for you: the heat shows no mercy, and heat stroke can kill.
- Stay hydrated and avoid direct sun between noon and 6 p.m.
- Never leave a child or pet inside a car, not even for a minute.
- If you work outdoors: water, shade, and breaks, no matter how much the boss pushes.
Check alerts for your area at Alerts.
Red Flag Warning: Watch Out for Sparks
There are 5 active fire danger alerts, including watches and red flag warnings. That means dry air and wind could turn a single spark into a wildfire within minutes.
- In red flag areas: no open flames, sparks, or outdoor barbecues.
- If you live near wildland areas, keep an evacuation bag ready.
More info at Fire Risk.
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