Ray Cox posted a picture tonight that speaks of the weather tonight. The weather alerts for Rice County started about 3:30 p.m. this afternoon, unfortunately not everyone was prepared. Our officers received calls asking for traffic control from sporting events that started well after the weather warnings had been posted. While our officers were trying to make sure people were not trapped under fallen trees, house fires, poles and trees on fire, or cars with power lines on them, our dispatch center was getting calls from people asking for officers to direct traffic so people could get out of parking lots. Unfortunately, our dispatchers and our officers don’t have the time or resources to respond to this type of call during emergency situations. That is why people need to plan ahead. If bad weather is predicted, cancel outdoor activities. If you are going to continue, know that you are assuming responsibility for the safety of those in attendance.
As I’ve mentioned previously, those hosting outdoor sporting events need to be carrying a portable weather radio alert in the event weather changes.
The storm front tonight is a perfect example of a quick and rough storm that quickly moved through only part of Northfield, knocking down branches and snapping power lines. The warnings in effect at the time were for severe thunderstorms, which is exactly what we got.
You will not always be able to respond to quick moving weather. If a warning is posted, as it was earlier this afternoon, you should anticipate the very real possibility of a storm. Had this one been longer in duration, we could have had more serious property damage and some personal injury as a result of falling trees, power lines and the hail.
Please heed the weather notices. Plan ahead and stay safe. We missed the major part of this storm again. We may not be so lucky next time.
Our Emergency Management Director, Tim Isom, can schedule training or informational meetings for anyone interested. Email him or call and leave a message for him at 507-645-4477.