During last week’s sudden storm, one sound was curiously absent, the sound of the emergency weather siren.
Many have voiced their concern about this fact, and Kayla Beckerdite, the Manitowoc County Emergency Services Director has issued a statement.
She explained that per their policy, the sirens are sounded when a severe thunderstorm warning or tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service.
She also stated. “During the severe weather received in Manitowoc County on August 3rd, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service for the second line of storms that impacted the County. Unfortunately, the first line of storms was more severe, especially in the City of Manitowoc, but intensified so rapidly that the National Weather Service did not have time to issue a severe thunderstorm warning.”
She called the incident “uncommon” before noting the importance of always being ready for severe weather.
During all thunderstorms, it is important to have a way to receive updates from the National Weather Service, maintain an emergency kit with food, water, and medical supplies for your family, and stay away from windows and doors.
For additional preparedness information, visit www.ready.gov/thunderstorms-lightning.
