Release from Lowndes County

LOWNDES Co. – There have been no significant changes from yesterday regarding the forecast.  The current concern is related to everyone looking at the radar and assuming nothing is coming since it is not overly graphic at the moment.

According to the National Weather Service, this storm is very unorganized with a high probability of pop up activity that will occur several hours ahead of the main line that is predicted to arrive later today.  Straight line winds in excess of 70 mph are of great concern since they can be as deadly as a tornado, but provide little to no warning on radar.

Winds of this strength make mobile homes and structures in need of repair unsafe.  This being the case, Lowndes County Emergency Management Director, Ashley Tye, is opening Mathis City Auditorium this afternoon at 3:00 p.m. for anyone needing shelter from severe weather.  Those coming to the shelter should bring all items needed to include blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, water, snacks, medications, formula, diapers, medical supplies, chargers for electronic devices, etc. The shelter will remain open until severe weather has moved through the area.

While meteorologists have indicated that this storm is very unorganized making it difficult to predict what time the strongest weather might move through the area, the current target time is a few hours before or after 6:00 p.m.  This being the case, everyone should manage afternoon/evening commutes so that they are not on the road during periods of severe weather.