Area under risk of severe storm danger tonight; Flooding continues into weekend

Emergency officials urge you to be prepared for two major rounds of bad weather today.

Forecasters say our area is under a moderate risk of severe weather today with heavy rains, flash flooding, high winds and tornadoes all possible. The first round of storms are expected this morning bringing small hail and heavy rain. But the worst weather is expected to move through our area after 4 p.m. this afternoon through 3 a.m. in the morning Thursday. That weather could be severe.

A wind advisory is in effect from 8 a.m. this morning until 1 p.m. tomorrow morning with south winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts of up to 50 mph expected.

Heavy rain is expected to continue Thursday through Saturday. With the rain falling on already saturated ground, minor to moderate flooding is expected on area rivers and streams through the weekend. A flood watch is in effect from 8 p.m. tonight through Sunday.

Officials say that you should have multiple ways available to receive weather forecasts and alerts. They also warn that tornado sirens are meant to be heard outside and cannot be relied on if you are inside of a building.

You should have a location designated as your safe spot at home and at work. A basement or storm shelter is best, but an interior room, stairway or hall without a window or door to the outside is also acceptable.

A wind advisory is in effect from 8 this morning until 1 tomorrow morning with south winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts of up to 50 mph expected. A flood watch is in effect from 8 tonight through Sunday.