EMA issues heat and thunderstorm advisory

National Weather Service Cleveland graphic

The Wood County Emergency Management Agency  has issued the following advisory:

Heat

Wood County is under an Excessive Heat Warning from 12pm-9pm (potential heat index of 105F).  The 8:30 a.m. forecast has our heat index topping out around 109F. Counties to our east and southeast are under a Heat Advisory (potential heat index of 100F).   

If possible, postpone any outdoor work until tomorrow when the temperature drops.  If you need to work outside, make sure you stay hydrated, take frequent breaks and have a location you can go to cool off. 

Outdoor exercising is discouraged.  For athletic practices, people must be monitored for signs of heat-related medical conditions. 

Thunderstorms

Wood County is also under a “Slight Risk” (level 2 of 5) for severe weather this afternoon through midnight.

The greatest threat will be damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph and renewed flash flooding. Quarter-sized hail and a brief tornado cannot be ruled out. 

With the potential for high winds, tree damage as well as utility disruption can be expected and should be prepared for. Remember, one component utility companies use to restore service, is the number of outages. If you lose electricity, call your provider. It gives them a better idea of the real outage and just may get your service returned sooner.

The EMA will be monitoring and providing updates as appropriate.