Wood County is under an excessive heat warning from noon-9 p.m., with a potential heat index of 105 degrees.
The 8:30 a.m. forecast has the heat index topping out around 109 degrees, according to the Wood County Emergency Management Agency. Counties to the east and southeast are under a heat advisory, with a potential heat index of 100 degrees.
If possible, postpone any outdoor work until Friday when the temperature drops. If you need to work outside, make sure you stay hydrated, take frequent breaks and have a location you can go to cool off in.
Outdoor exercising is discouraged. For athletic practices, people must be monitored for signs of heat related medical conditions.
Wood County is also under a “slight risk” (level 2 of 5) for severe weather this afternoon though midnight.
The greatest threat will be damaging wind gusts up to 60mph and renewed flash flooding. Quarter sized hail and a brief tornado cannot be ruled out.
With the potential for high winds, tree damage as well as utility disruption can be expected and should be prepared for. Remember, one component utility companies use to restore service, is the number of outages. If you lose electricity, call your provider. It gives them a better idea of the real outage and just may get your service returned sooner.
The EMA will be monitoring and will provide updates as appropriate.
