[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Potential Exists for Severe Weather

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Zim Schwartze, Office of Emergency Management Director
(573) 874-7400


Potential Exists for Severe Weather

COLUMBIA, MO (May 24, 2011) - The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that a potential exists for strong to severe thunderstorms late tonight and through much of the day on Wednesday for much of mid-Missouri, includingColumbiaandBooneCounty. The Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) encourages citizens to review plans now and understand the alert process before severe weather threatens the area.

"In the wake of the devastating tornado in Joplin, our office has been fielding a number of inquiries from residents who want to know what they should do in the event of severe weather," according to OEM Director Zim Schwartze.  "We continue to stress that the best practice is to have a shelter and potential evacuation plan for your home, business, or in your car."

Schwartze reports that many citizens have commented about not being able to hear outdoor warning sirens when a tornado warning is issued.  "We want everyone to realize that outdoor warning sirens are not designed to be heard indoors.  That's why we encourage everyone to tune to local media and purchase an affordable NOAA weather radio.  Both are critical in having advance warning about the approach of severe weather. We've also been asked about a list of designated public storm shelters in Columbia and Boone County.  A list of civil defense/emergency shelters no longer exists as they have in past decades.  We recommend that citizens know the various public facilities that are open throughout the day or night for optional emergency shelter as the situation presents itself.  That's why it is so important to have a plan well in advance of approaching severe weather."

A Flash Flood Watch is currently in effect for the area through late Wednesday evening.  The National Weather Service reports that heavy rain and hail are the biggest threat with storms tonight.  However, another round of severe weather on Wednesday could bring heavy rain, large hail, high winds, and the possibility of tornadoes. 

In the event of severe weather, trained Weather Spotters may be activated to assists the National Weather Service.  These trained Weather Spotters are placed in areas where they can assist in identifying approaching weather and give critical advance warning when storms threaten Columbia and Boone County.

The administration and staff of the Office of Emergency Management and Public Safety Joint Communications continues to extend their thoughts and prayers to those impacted by Sunday's devastating tornado in Joplin.

To find out more about what to do before, during and after severe weather, log on to the OEM website at www.gocolumbiamo.com/EM.

 


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