How to prepare for incoming severe weather
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Agencies across the Mid-South are gearing up for late-night storms Wednesday, and they want to make sure you’re ready too.
Across the country intense moments were captured this week as a tornado tore off the roof of a building in Nebraska.
Tonight, teams in the Mid-South are now monitoring for the potential of severe weather in the area.
Severe Weather Forecast: Dangerous winds, tornadoes and hail may reach Mid-South
The concerns tonight are high winds, heavy rain, hail, and the potential for tornadoes.
Charles Newell, Shelby County’s Deputy Administrator of the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, urges extra caution as the storm is set to hit at night, into the overnight hours.
“It could evolve into a serious situation,” said Newell. “Which is really dangerous because at night most people are in the house and they are asleep.”
First responders say that within the next few hours, it is time to get prepared.
“So let’s go ahead and prepare now, let’s go ahead and plan now, let’s know what we’re going to do if that phone goes off at 2 o’clock. Know where you’re going to go. At 2 o’clock in the morning when you’re half asleep is not the time to think, ‘Oh where do I need to take shelter at?'” said DeWayne Rose, Emergency Management Director for the City of West Memphis.
Have extra batteries, and flashlights, charge your phone now, have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, and make sure you have your alerts turned on.
Memphis, West Memphis brace for storm’s impact
Newell is advising everyone that in the situation where debris is flying around and hitting homes, it is best to stay away from windows at all costs.
“Having fresh water and making sure you secure your property, you know. If you have anything outside like umbrellas or anything that could easily be blown away and cause damage, try to secure as much of that as you can,” said Robert Knecht, Public Works Director.
“Just be watchful and I might add prayerful,” Newell said.
The city of Memphis has also been cleaning storm drains to prep for flash flooding, they are asking you to help as well and call 311 with issues.
According to the Emergency Management Agency, The Arlington Safe Room located at 11842 Otto Lane in Arlington will be open throughout the night as a tornado shelter. It can hold up to 1,300 people.
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