Governor declares State of Emergency ahead of severe weather
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Governor Mike Kehoe signed an executive order declaring a State of Emergency for severe storms expected on Friday.
An ABC17 Stormtrack Weather Alert Day has been issued for expected severe thunderstorms on Friday night.
This order activates the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, which allows state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions.
Kehoe said in a news release that the state's emergency operation center will be activated Friday afternoon to support the coordination between local agencies.
“This Executive Order is a proactive step to ensure our emergency management teams are fully prepared should these storms warrant immediate action to protect Missourians," Kehoe said in a statement.
Mid-Missouri is in the 2/5 on the severe weather outlook from the National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service says there is a chance of strong winds, hail and tornadoes across the state. In Mid-Missouri, there is a greater threat of damaging winds, but the threat for all hazards is possible.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is also reminding drivers to be careful while driving. The agency added that drivers should never try to go through floodwaters, even if shallow.
