Mother Nature once again threatens millions
with flooding, tornadoes, wildfires
Millions of people across a large swath of the country are facing yet another round of severe weather over the next few days. The American Red Cross is monitoring the situation and preparing to respond if necessary with disaster teams and relief supplies standing by.
The Ohio Valley and mid-South could see life-threatening flooding through the rest of the week as almost of a foot of rain heads to the regions. The same storm system is predicted to bring strong tornadoes, damaging winds and hail and severe storms to the Plains, Midwest and South through the week and into the weekend. In addition, there is a critical risk for wildfires in Arizona, New Mexico, parts of Texas and the Southern Plains.
CLIMATE CRISIS The Red Cross is operating in a state of continuous response with a major disaster occurring as often as every 15 days. For example, there were more than 100 tornadoes reported between March 13-15, a significantly higher number than the historical average of 80 tornadoes in March. And to respond to these non-stop disasters, the Red Cross has deployed 87% more disaster workers to support those affected compared to the same period in 2024. As disasters become more frequent and intense, the Red Cross is increasing our capacity to help those in need.
GET READY NOW Take these simple steps and be ready:
- You and members of your household should have a plan to evacuate and a plan to shelter safely at home. Your evacuation plan should include knowing where you’ll go, how you’ll get there, and where you’ll stay. Your stay-at-home plan should focus on gathering the right supplies so that you can live safely without power, water, gas, phone or internet for a long time.
- Families may need to evacuate quickly with little notice. Create a plan that includes how you’ll stay connected with each other, where you’ll go, how you’ll get there, and where you’ll stay.
- Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government, which will include important information such as evacuation orders in an emergency.
- Download the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. To download, search “American Red Cross” in app stores, or go to redcross.org/apps.
SAFETY STEPS
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 floodwater. 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 are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising around you, quickly get out of the car, move to higher ground and stay there.
If a tornado warning is issued or if you suspect a tornado, go to your safe place immediately.
- 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
- After getting to your safe shelter, use your arms to protect your head and neck. Keep listening to radio, TV or other news sources. Stay in your shelter until the tornado warning ends.
- If the building you are in has been damaged, exit with extreme care and stay out. Look around for things that might fall or are dangerous.
- Do not use matches or lighters inside. If you smell gas or see spills that could be flammable, leave immediately.
- If you are 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.
If thunder roars, go indoors. Postpone outdoor activities if the forecast calls for thunderstorms. Watch for storm signs, such as darkening skies, lightning flashes and increasing wind action.
- Seek shelter inside a sturdy building and move to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass windows and doors.
- Lightning can be dangerous even when you are 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 are 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 are 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.
- Turn around, don’t drown. Flash flooding happens quickly. Move to higher ground before floodwaters reach you. Never walk, swim or drive through floodwater.
