Atkinson County Ema/Fire

Thank you to all who volunteered and made our food distribution a huge success Monday! I appreciate each and every one of you

Tornado Safety Day 3 Calling all residents, schools and businesses! Join us at 9 a.m. today in participating in the statewide PrepareAthon for tornado safety. Planning and practicing specifically how and where you take shelter is a matter of survival. More tips on sheltering during tornadoes are available at [http://bit.ly/389a0OP] Tornadoes are some of nature’s most violent storms, generating wind speeds that can exceed 250 miles per hour. A tornado watch means a torn...ado is possible in your area. A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted, and you should take shelter immediately. It’s important for everyone in the family to know the safest place to go during a tornado. Storm cellars and basements provide the best protection. If underground shelter is not available, go to an interior room or hallway on the lowest flood possible.

Confirmed Cases: 741 Total Deaths: 14 Hospitalizations: 106

Thunderstorm Safety It’s Day Two of Severe Weather Preparedness Week! Learn the difference between a thunderstorm watch and a thunderstorm warning and make sure you’re prepared for both by visiting our website. [http://bit.ly/2tcI91m] Thunderstorms are common in Atkinson County, and they shouldn’t be underestimated. They can produce strong winds, lightning, tornadoes, hail and flash flooding. Nearly 10 percent of thunderstorms are classified as severe, meaning they have... winds of at least 58 miles per hour, hail at least three-quarters of an inch thick or are capable of producing a tornado. Remember to tie down loose outdoor items before severe thunderstorms. Postpone outdoor activities and stay inside.

SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK KICKS OFF TODAY!! Check back each day with more tips on how you and your family can be storm ready! >If a disaster struck, would your family know what to do? What if you were separated? Sit down with your family to decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do in an emergency Day 1: Family Preparedness/NOAA Weather Radio Day Today kicks off Severe Weather Preparedness Week! Remember: you and your family may not always be together when disaster strikes, so make sure you have an emergency communications plan. Visit [http://bit.ly/2TpC2Bx] to make your plan.

SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHERN COFFEE...NORTHERN ATKINSON...NORTHERN WARE...WESTERN BACON...SOUTH CENTRAL JEFF DAVIS AND WEST CENTRAL APPLING COUNTIES UNTIL 715 PM EST Special Weather Statement issued January 31 at 6:32PM EST by NWS Jacksonville FL * At 632 PM EST, National Weather Service meteorologists were tracking gusty showers along a line extending from 7 miles southwest of Graham to 6 miles north of Willacoochee. Movement was... east at 45 mph. * Winds in excess of 45 mph possible with these showers. * Locations impacted include... Douglas, Alma, Nicholls and West Green. To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement agency. You can also share your report with NWS Jacksonville on Facebook and Twitter.