With warmer weather and the change of seasons can come the threat of severe weather.
With that in mind, Governor Tony Evers declared April 17th-21st to be Severe Weather Awareness Week in the state of Wisconsin.
Manitowoc County Emergency Services Director Kayla Beckerdite appeared this week on the WCUB Breakfast Club for a yearly reminder about severe weather safety and preparedness during the warmer weather months.
She reminded the public that a “watch” means conditions are right for the formation of severe storms and tornados in a large area.
A “warning” means a severe thunderstorm is headed in the direction of a more condensed area, or there is tornadic activity occurring in your county.
If a tornado is headed your way, Beckerdite says to stay as far away from the outdoors and windows as possible.
Preferably in a basement with some food, water, and medications in case you get stuck there for an extended period.
If you’re in a car, Beckerdite says the best thing to do is remain in the vehicle with your seat belt buckled and your head covered from debris.
She adds not to take shelter under an overpass or leave your car to lie in a ditch.
It’s very easy to get sucked out from under the overpass or drown in the ditch because of heavy rain that often accompanies tornadoes.
Beckerdite had advice for those in mobile homes as well.
“Hopefully there is a building nearby whether it’s a mail room or a community room or something like that,” she explained. “If you are not able to get to a building like that, your best-case scenario is to probably go into your vehicle, buckle yourself in and cover your head.”
Beckerdite also reminds us that in conjunction with Severe Weather Awareness Week, the county tornado sirens were scheduled to sound today (April 20th), but with the potential for severe weather conditions in southern and central Wisconsin, the 2023 statewide tornado drill is being postponed until Friday at both 1:45 and 6:45 p.m.
