Ellis

1150 am CDT Monday may 20 2013

Severe thunderstorms are expected across parts of the area. The
National Weather Service in Norman urges you to take this time to
think about what you will do to stay safe if storms approach.

Make sure you have more than one source of local weather warnings
and information. If you have a weather radio, be sure it is working
properly. Think about how you'll receive a warning if you lose cell
phone or internet service.

Check the weather often throughout the day. If you will be traveling
or have outdoor activities planned, be sure you can get the latest
weather information and keep up with developing severe weather.

If storms threaten you, remember these basic safety guidelines:

Severe thunderstorms produce large hail and damaging winds. If you
hear a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for your location, seek shelter
in a sturdy building, and stay away from doors and windows. If
you're driving, find substantial shelter to avoid being caught in
large hail and strong winds. And remember that every thunderstorm
produces dangerous lightning, and that no place outside is safe.

If you hear a Tornado Warning for your location, or feel threatened
by a tornado, you need to act quickly to protect yourself. An
underground shelter or safe room is the safest place. If no
underground shelter is available, take cover in a sturdy building.
Go to the lowest floor and stay away from doors, windows and outside
walls. Your goal is to put as many walls between you and the tornado
as you can. You should protect yourself from flying and falling
debris with pillows or blankets. Mobile homes and vehicles are not
safe in a tornado, so be sure you have plenty of time to get to a
sturdy shelter.

Monitor the latest information from the National Weather Service in
Norman by listening to weather radio or by visiting our website at
weather.Gov/Norman.