Stormy New Year?
Forecast calls for wind and rain, plummeting temperatures
news@theeveningtimes.com West Memphis City Emergency Management Director DeWayne Rose passed along a National Weather Service (NWS) Severe Weather Update for
Graphic courtesy of the National Weather Service STORMS (cont.)
the weekend Rose pointed out the potential for another round of bad storms after the midday storms on Wednesday.
The NWS bulletin defined severe weather as thunderstorms with winds capable of downing limbs, potentially producing power outages along with some damage to structures. The storm may also produce localized flash flooding.
The next big weather event is forecast for this coming Saturday.
The city received complaints from concerned citizens following the tornado producing storm that ripped through Trumann two weeks ago. Some said they never heard the tornado sirens in the city.
The West Memphis Fire Department maintains responsibility for the tornado siren system in the city.
The fire department ran a special test on Wednesday December 15, in wake of the concerns and found each location in working order.
Sirens have been mounted around the city in six locations including South Avalon by the VFW, Tilden Rodger’s Sports Complex, J.W. Rich Girls Club, Tenth Street at Jackson, Garden Drive at Goodwin, MLK at Beatty.
After the successful test the city offered some pointers for citizens wanting to follow severe weather warnings in the city. The sirens will activate when The City of West Memphis is placed under a tornado warning. A warning happens when a tornado was reported on the ground, a funnel cloud observed, or a strong low level cloud rotation is indicated by weather radar.
City residents should implement safety precautions and take cover immediately. The sirens stay on until the warning expires.
Houses have been built with more sound proofing than a generation ago. Not only have houses been constructed better, but weather communication has fast forwarded with technology advances. Smartphones can place warning alarms in users’ hands as well.
“We actively encourage citizens to use Alert Warning Systems (AWS) such as smartphone weather apps, or a weather radio to receive communication during a storm,” said Rose.
“Home are built very well today and sound proofing eliminates many outside noises. This also hinders the ability to hear the outdoor warning sirens.”
Temperatures, which have been unseasonably warm for the past few weeks are expected to take a severe tumble this weekend.
Saturday’s projected high temperature is 71 degrees, with the overnight low on Sunday morning projected at 22, a nearly 50-degree difference, with next week’s highs in the 50s.
