WASHINGTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark. — Severe storms are expected throughout Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley Monday night into Tuesday morning.
"We know there's weather coming," Shane Wood with the Fayetteville Fire Department said. "Before we go to bed, look for that last update to see when it's coming and how severe it could be."
Although severe weather is expected this time of year, emergency personnel in Washington County said being weather aware and prepared can still be life saving.
"Planning is key, no matter what," Wood said. "Whether it's any kind of disaster event, be it a storm or an earthquake, whatever it could be, have some supplies available."
Washington County Emergency Management also said they will be all hands on deck to prepare for the chance of severe weather damage.
"We'll be monitoring radio, communications and phones, and we'll be in communication with others," John Luther, Washington County Emergency Management Director, said. "If we need to respond to a location, we'll certainly do that."
While some people may believe they know how best to prepare for a tornado, Luther offered some advice, especially for those indoors.
"You want to go to the lowest room in the interior of the structure— certainly one without windows if possible and smaller if available," Luther said.
According to Wood, there are also ways to protect yourself from a tornado if you are outdoors or unable to drive in the opposite direction of one.
"You need to get out of your vehicle as soon as possible, get in the lowest place you can find, typically a ditch, lay down flat," Wood said. "But, whatever you do, do not stay in your car because your car will be demolished with you in it."
Luther added that having multiple ways of being alerted of tornado warnings is helpful, especially if a storm is expected to pass late at night.
"We want people to utilize their cell phones, landline phones, or have a Weather Radio, if possible," Luther said. "Don't just depend on a single tool to give you the warning because that tool might fail, so have a couple of ways to receive the alerts."
An active weather pattern will keep chances of damaging wind, large hail, tornadoes, and flooding in the forecast this week. Stay up-to-date on this week's forecast with our 5NEWS Weather Team here.
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