Experts advise planning ahead for severe weather season
GREENE COUNTY, Mo. — It is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Missouri and local officials are saying now is the time to prepare for the severe weather season ahead.
The Greene County Office of Emergency Management says it's a good idea to have a plan in place before severe weather hits.
'Prepare on the blue sky days for when the gray sky days occur. Because if it's a gray sky day and you haven't planned, it's too late,' said Darren White, Deputy Director with Greene County Office of Emergency Management. 'You're not going to have a plan in place to do what you need to do to keep yourself safe.'
Preparing looks different for different kinds of severe weather. Thunderstorms like what is forecasted for Tuesday present a risk for lightning strikes. White says the best way to protect yourself in a thunderstorm is to stay inside as much as possible.
If large amounts of rain lead to flooding in the area, White says the phrase 'turn around don't drown' can be lifesaving. He says you should never drive through flood waters and risk your car being swept away.
For tornadoes, White says it's a good idea to have a 'go bag' packed with essentials like food, plastic water bottles, chargers for your phone and daily medications. You should also identify where to shelter, like in a basement, at a local storm shelter or an interior wall in your home.
During a tornado warning, the Greene County OEM will turn on the outdoor tornado sirens. These sirens are designed to warn people outside to get inside and take shelter.
'Now, if you're at home or work and you cannot hear the sirens inside,' White said. 'We recommend you have a weather radio, your favorite app, whatever you whatever you prefer to keep you aware of what's happening.'
As part of weather preparedness week, there will be a statewide tornado drill Wednesday, March 5 at 11:00 a.m. Greene County is participating in this drill in place of the regularly scheduled test on the second Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. White says they do not test the sirens if conditions are poor.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
13 minutes ago
- Yahoo
‘This is devastating' Erie farm torn apart after by severe weather Monday
Monday's severe storms have caused flooding and damage across the region, but over in Venango Township, residents said they've been hit by something worse: a tornado. 'I've never seen anything like this. This is devastating,' said Emily Sigler, a witness to the storm. Storm decimates Erie County property, injures several animals Sigler said she immediately took cover in her basement when she heard the wind pick up, and when she came out, her neighbor's place a mile and a half down Knoyle Road was left in ruin. 'At least two barns have been completely flattened, chicken coop, cows are affected, and horses are affected. Right now, the animals are I think, secured,' said Sigler. Nearly 100 friends and neighbors came to help the family after the storm, helping clear downed trees, power lines and debris scattered across the property. But even with dozens of people working, neighbors said they need even more help to clear the scene. Heavy thunderstorms wreak havoc across Erie area 'If anybody can bring water, food, chainsaws, generators, gas, gas for chainsaws, oil for chainsaws, generators, flashlights, it's going to get dark soon,' said said she and others were planning on staying to help as long as it takes, including through the said there aren't any injuries or deaths aside from some farm animals. If you would like to help the family impacted by the storm, you can access their GoFundMe page to donate here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Strong storms and flooding across the Twin Tiers. Rain stops Tuesday, but returns midweek.
ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) – Rain is back in the forecast for part of the week. So get ready for that. There is a chance to dry out but Father's Day is looking pretty wet for now. Heavy rain showers and thunderstorms continue to move into the Twin tiers this evening and into the early morning hours too. There is a cold front that moves across the region brining us localized flash flooding that could close roads at low-water crossings. The heavy rain moves eastward through the overnight hours, however, further east the rainfall rates should decrease with the loss of instability because of the loss of heat from the sun after sunset. Some spots have seen warnings for both flash flooding and thunder storms with damaging winds this evening. Locally heavy rainfall and flash flooding are still possible due to all the recent rainfall. However, we are in for a better Tuesday afternoon. Drier conditions will take hold Tuesday and hang on through at least Wednesday. Don't get used to it. There is a potent shortwave and surface cold front about to cross the region mid-week and we stand to get more showers to wrap up the week. Please remember to turn around don't drown! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Boil advisory issued for Buckner due to watermain break
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Water issues are once again hitting the City of Buckner, Missouri. The City of Buckner announced Monday night that due to a watermain break, a boil water advisory has been issued for 16 houses in the area of North Lee Street and Park Avenue. Jackson County unanimously passes 2025 budget Monday The city said Public Works will take a water sample to the City of Independence lab Tuesday morning and that test results could take 12 to 24 hours to get back. Once the test results come back negative for total coliform, the city said the boil advisory will be lifted. At least 10 watermain breaks were reported last year near Buckner that resulted in a series of boil water advisories being issued. City Manager Joe said he believes Buckner's iron water pipes are wearing out. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Also last year, Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca proposed the use of $5 million in COVID-era relief money to improve infrastructure in Buckner. County leaders announced in December that they and community initiatives like nonprofits. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
