State offers guidance about how to prepare for potential severe weather in Mid-Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather team is tracking the potential for strong storms in Mid-Missouri for Wednesday afternoon.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has released guidance about how to best prepare for possible severe weather. The department advises people should take preemptive steps ahead of the weather, including making an emergency kit.
Items in the emergency kit should include:
- Battery-powered radio
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Prescription medications
- First aid kit
In floodwaters, the department reminds drivers to turn around and not drown. Even a small amount of fast-moving water can force a car off the road. Drivers should never attempt to drive around road closure signs due to flooding.
In a tornado, drivers are advised to drive away if possible as most tornadoes travel at 35 to 45 miles per hour. The department recommends drivers find shelter if they're unable to drive away from a tornado.
If shelter isn't available, drivers and passengers should stay in their vehicle with their seat belts on and try to sit below the windows. People can also seek shelter in a low-lying area like a ditch.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol also released recommendations this spring ahead of potential severe weather.
Troopers remind drivers it's state law to turn on a vehicle's headlights if its windshield wipers are on. The highway patrol said the second it takes to turn on a vehicle's lights could be the difference in another driver being able to see your vehicle.
As always, drivers can check MoDOT's Traveler Information Map for the latest road conditions across Mid-Missouri.
