Local Officials Prepare for Expected Severe Storms

MEMPHIS, Mo.- Scotland County Sheriff Bryan Whitney has notified KMEM News that local safety personnel sat in on a meeting with the State Emergency Management Agency Thursday afternoon in preparation for the severe weather that is expected to threaten the listening area Friday afternoon.  Whitney said officials with the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities have stated that they are anticipating a severe storm that will be a level 4 out of a possible 5 levels.  This storm will bring straight line winds gusting up to 75 miles per hour, heavy rain and ping pong ball sized hail.  There is also an elevated risk for strong tornado activity.  The National Weather Service expects the storm to arrive in our area between 2 and 4 pm Friday. 

Whitney said that his office will have extra dispatchers on hand to handle the aniticpated higher call load to the sheriff’s department.  He also said that Scotland County will have extra storm spotters posted around the county.  Scotland County Hospital, Scotland County Ambulance Service and other appropriate officials also participated in the call. 

In response to the weather briefing, Scotland County R-1 Schools will be dismissing at noon on Friday and have cancelled all school activities for the remainder of the day and evening.  Davis County Community School District will also be dismissing at 12:30 Friday afternoon.

Stay tuned to Hometown Radio KMEM 100.5 FM for all the latest weather and information.