By RYAN SKAITH
Area residents are encouraged to practice safe weather procedures next week during during Severe Weather Preparedness Week.
Meteorologist Dan Holiday says this is the time of year to implement your plan of action during severe weather events. “It can be in the form of damaging winds or storms or tornados, really anything that could damage your home, vehicle or you. You should know where your safe place is going to be”
Holiday adds the Midwest often sees the most severe weather between late April into early June. “However, by the time we get to mid-March, there are weather ingredients that come together and we can see more significant weather patterns.”
Sgt. Shane Hux, with the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H in St. Joseph, recommends keeping an eye on the weather, especially if you are driving. “The important thing to remember is that severe storms can form very quickly.”
Hux says if a tornado is spotted, get into the nearest building as quickly as possible for shelter. Hux emphasizes that drivers should not take shelter under overpasses. “Overpasses are not safe during tornados. Get into a nearby building. However, if you’re driving in rural areas and see a funnel cloud, take cover in the nearest ditch and cover your head, but watch for rapidly-rising water.”
Hux notes some other tips to help prepare for severe weather:
1. Never attempt to drive through water on the road
2. If you become stuck in water, always move to higher ground if you can safely do so
3. Do not drive around road barriers
4. Dial Star 55 to connect with the nearest Troop headquarters
