8/30 DC/MD/VA Severe Weather Alert!

Severe Threat today from Katrina Remnants

Though our severe weather today may bring isolated tornadoes which can devastate smaller scale areas, yesterday?s destruction is only beginning to be realized. This storm will go down in the record books and has the potential to top Andrew in her final damage assessments. Prayers and thoughts go out to the families that have lost loved ones and property as well as memories that were washed away or destroyed. I find weather fascinating but I know it can devastate a family and community. Please consider volunteering at local Red Cross or other agencies helping take in donations.

For us, we are under the threat for severe storms today. It is very likely that thunderstorms will bring down some rotation from the upper levels and cause tornadoes. Also, winds aloft are moving very fast and high winds in storms are a good bet. The Storm Prediction Center has wisely put us under a Moderate Risk for Severe weather later today as the remnants of the storm moves to our west. I have been hinting of this for days so hopefully people are aware of the threat. Another threat, with such abundant moisture, will be localized flash flooding. Storms will likely be moving fast enough to prevent a widespread outbreak of flash floods, but tropical systems seem to be able to drop 2 to 3 times the amount of rain in a short period of time than most storms.

PLEASE stay tuned to local weather and media outlets for watches and warnings that will be posted later today.

Relief Agencies:

American Red Cross, 800-HELP NOW (435-7669) English, 800-257-7575 Spanish.

Operation Blessing, 800-436-6348.

Salvation Army, 800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769).

America‘s Second Harvest, 800-344-8070.

Adventist Community Services, 800-381-7171.

Christian Disaster Response, 941-956-5183 or 941-551-9554.

Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, 800-848-5818.

Church World Service, 800-297-1516.

Convoy of Hope, 417-823-8998.

Lutheran Disaster Response, 800-638-3522.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, 800-872-3283.

Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief, 800-462-8657, ext. 6440.

United Methodist Committee on Relief. 800-554-8583.