The area will have two separate weather event types over the next 48 hours: Extreme heat conditions and increased risk for thunderstorms, according to a Wednesday morning update from the Wood County Emergency Management Agency.
Today’s peak heat index value is expected to be in the mid-90s, with Thursday’s heat index value 105-110. It has been several years since there has been this high of a heat index for the county.
Wood County is also in the slight risk (level 2 of 5) for severe storms today in to the early morning hours on Thursday. While the chance for severe weather will begin sometime after 8 p.m. The greatest chance for severe weather and heaviest rainfall to be will during the nighttime hours.
Thursday afternoon through Friday morning there is another chance for severe weather. However, due to today’s storms and potential for cloud cover the confidence level for Thursday’s storms is lower.
The greatest threats today could be damaging winds, hail, and possibility of an isolated tornado.
Heat
Stay hydrated
Try to work indoors
Monitor family, friends and co-workers for signs of heat related illnesses.
Heat is the number one weather-related cause of death in the United States.
Storms
Nighttime storms are always a concern for us due to people sleeping and limited visibility due to the darkness. Take the following steps to be prepared:
Have multiple ways to get emergency notifications (CodeRED Wood County’s Mass Notification System, NOAA Weather Radio, phone apps and local media).
The link to sign up for CodeRED: https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BFAB7B074BCD
Have flashlights in your sleeping areas should the power go out.
Have a location to seek shelter should the need arise.
Secure any loose outdoor items.
With the potential for high winds, tree damage as well as utility disruption can be expected and should be prepared for.
The EMA will be monitoring and will provide updates as appropriate.
