An April 13 storm seen approaching downtown Lawrence. (Flickr Photo by Brent Flanders)Large parts of Kansas and the Midwest are at risk for strong tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flash flooding this weekend. The Storm Prediction Center in Oklahoma has been warning residents that dangerous weather is on the way. Forecasters are also advising people to make sure they can receive weather warnings during weekend activities. Bill Gargan is a forecaster for the National Weather Service.
Kansans need to be prepared for severe weather by having a plan of action. That plan should include a safe place to shelter, a battery-operated radio, extra batteries and an emergency / disaster kit with water, food, medicine and other essential supplies.
Meanwhile...
Small KS Town Deals with Broken Tornado Siren
CHASE, Kan. (AP) _ A small central Kansas town is handing out free weather radios to its 300 homes and businesses because its tornado siren doesn't work. City officials in Chase were concerned that they would have no way to warn residents if a tornado was headed toward the Rice County town. Mayor Tom Kizzar says the siren didn't work when it was tested earlier this month. A repair crew is scheduled to arrive soon to determine the problem with the 50-year-old siren. If it needs to be replaced... it will cost more than $30,000. The weather radios cost the town about $8,000. The radios will keep the town compliant with federal regulations, meaning Chase would qualify for disaster assistance if it is ever needed.