| City of Branson
Jennifer Langford, MBA/MIS – Communications Manager
110 West Maddux | Branson, MO 65616
BransonMo.gov | 417.337.0017 direct
JLangford@BransonMO.gov
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 07, 2017
Branson Fire Chief, Ted Martin
417.243.2790
MEDIA RELEASE
ELEVATED RISK for Severe Weather in Branson and Surrounding Areas This Evening
Branson, MO (Thursday, March 7, 2017) – The National Weather Service – Springfield and the Storm Prediction Center in Norman Oklahoma has increased the potential for severe weather to ELEVATED. There is a potential for severe storms including supercells with all modes of severe weather including large hail, damaging winds, and frequent lightning. There is also a potential for fast moving night time tornadoes.
The greatest risk for severe weather appears to be in SW and Western Missouri, essentially either side of a line from Joplin to Sedalia. Some isolated thunderstorms may develop across the area between 6:00-11:00PM this evening, with a stronger line of thunderstorms in SE Kansas by 11:00PM and rapidly moving east/southeast. Timing estimates place this line of storms in the Branson area around midnight to 2AM. It is reasonable to expect Thunderstorm and or Tornado Watches to be issued later today with subsequent Warnings as weather develops.
Expected hazards include:
- Hail to the size of golf balls.
- Wind gusts up to 70 mph.
- Potential for nighttime tornadoes.
- Frequent lightning.
Areas to our north continue to be in Wind Advisory and Red Flag Warning (fire danger) this afternoon. Winds have sustained 15-20 mph today in Branson with the highest wind gust reported at 38 mph around noon today.
As always:
- We will staff the EOC if storms develop with potential to impact the Branson area.
- BE INFORMED!
- Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radios for instant warnings
- Use local broadcast media for live information
- BransonALERTS and Smartphone Apps
- City of Branson Newsflash at www.BransonMO.gov
- The City of Branson Communications Manager will update multiple social media sites including Facebook and Twitter at the following:
- We will also share to-the-minute updates to local resources including www.HometownDailyNews.com and www.facebook.com/BransonNW
Know Where to Go:
For shelter at work, home, school, go to a location in the lower-most interior area as possible placing as many walls between you and the storm.
This includes sheltering for severe thunderstorms producing damaging winds
Report Severe Weather or Damages to be forwarded to Emergency Management Partners and the NWS
For additional safety tips about severe weather, fire safety, or to learn more about “BransonALERTS,” contact the City of Branson Fire Department at (417) 243-2790 or online at www.bransonmo.gov.
Media inquiries related to this content may be directed to Jennifer Langford, Communications Manager, City of Branson at JLangford@BransonMO.gov or by calling 417.337.0017.
STAY CONNECTED FOR REGULAR NEWS AND UPDATES:
Subscribe to receive regular news and updates via email or Text/SMS messages delivered to mobile devices at: http://mo-branson.civicplus.com/list.aspx. Those who prefer social media updates may also find updates by “Following” @CityOfBranson on Twitter, and also at two locations on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CityBranson and www.facebook.com/Branson.Missouri.9. Additionally, the Branson Police Department posts updates on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/BransonPD.
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About the City of Branson, Missouri:
Located in Southwest Missouri, the City of Branson is committed to its citizens and to those who visit here, to ensure a safe and environmentally sound community. We will work as a team to maintain and promote the growth of our City, and to provide professional, courteous service to all through fair and open communication. We look to tomorrow, remembering yesterday, dedicated to excellence today.