National Weather Service provides tips to prepare for severe weather

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team issued a Weather Alert Day for severe thunderstorms Saturday night.

Stormtrack meteorologist Luke Victor said, winds will be strong and could lead to a tornado warning.

"Storms will arrive around 9 p.m. to highway 63. Winds look to be between 50-60 mph as the storms roll through. An isolated tornado or two are possible as well," he said.

A meteorologist for the National Weather Service, Ben Herzog, provided tips for mid-Missourians in order to prepare for the Weather Alert Day, including finding out where you would go during a tornado warning and to charge devices in case of a power outage.

"They should be thinking if a tornado warning is issued for my location what should I do, what's my plan, do I have a basement I can go to, how am I going to get an alert about a tornado warning if there is one," Herzog said.

The National Weather Service website said the best defense against thunderstorms is staying inside a sturdy building or shelter that can protect you, and not leaving the area if possible.

"If a tornado is spotted, act quickly and move to the lowest level basement of your shelter, putting as many walls between yourself and the outside as possible," the NWS website said.

Stay with ABC 17 Stormtrack weather as the situation evolves and stay up to date with the ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather App for radar and alerts in your area.

Check back for more information or watch ABC 17 News at 9 and 10.