A vehicle is stranded in high waters on a flooded highway in Houston, on Monday, July 8, 2024, after Beryl came ashore in Texas as a hurricane and dumped heavy rains along the coast. (AP Photo/Juan A. Lozano)
Officials are urging preparation as the remnants of Hurricane Beryl bring heavy rain and severe storms to the Midwest today.
Remnants could bring heavy rains, high winds, severe storms and flooding stretching from south-central Illinois into parts of lower Michigan. The storm arrived in Central Indiana on Tuesday morning and is expected to bring impacts over the next few days.
For Johnson County, the storm’s remnants could bring up to 2 inches of rainfall through Wednesday, along with lightning and tornadoes. Short-lived tornadoes are the greatest threat, particularly south of Interstate 70 and east of Interstate 65. The greatest severe weather threat is between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m., according to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis.
Federal Emergency Management Agency officials encourage the public to stay alert by monitoring local news and weather reports.
Here’s some other tips FEMA offered:
- Follow the direction of local and state officials and make sure to sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, become familiar with the warning tone.
- Make sure all mobile devices are fully charged in advance of severe weather. Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs in case the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank. Have flashlights for every household member. Gather supplies in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets.
- Have a communications plan in place. Ensure everyone in your household knows where to go, what to do and how to reconnect after a disaster.
- Watch for fallen power lines and trees. Report them immediately.
- Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- Once it is safe, check on neighbors and friends to make sure they’re okay.
More tips can be found at ready.gov/severe-weather or by downloading the free FEMA app.
