Those of us in the Tri-State sometimes grow complacent to storm warnings and a storm watch. There is a difference. A storm watch means conditions are likely for a storm. A storm warning means a dangerous storm is in the area.
It’s common to brush off TV meteorologists, as they sometimes give an inaccurate forecast.
While it seemingly is a right to brush them off, this time, they were exactly right and all three local stations had wall-to-wall coverage of Tuesday’s approaching storm.
Our reporters fanned out across the area to cover the storm. We rightfully devoted all of the front page to the storm plus pictures and coverage throughout our front section of Wednesday’s publication.
Most notably, we’re impressed with response of emergency officials. They quickly gathered at their respective disaster locations to assist in response to residents’ needs. Boyd County Judge-Executive Eric Chaney took to Facebook with a live feed from the emergency center, giving phone numbers to call for help, including his own cellphone number. This is exactly what a local politician should do.
The 911 system was overwhelmed with calls and area firefighters were responding from call to call. We appreciate their usual professional response as well as area law enforcement and paramedics who were operating at full speed. City and county street and road departments labored hard clearing debris from streets and sewer drains.
Longtime downtown staple Don’s Men’s Shop suffered a destroyed front window as Wal-Mart employees and customers took cover after the front doors blew off due to a 100 mph wind gust. Hard hit Lawrence County, Ohio, suffered extensive damage.
We hope a storm like this never strikes our region again. But, it will. Preparedness is the key, not only for local governments but each one of us. Pay attention to the forecast about a weather advisory. Whether it comes from a well-dressed TV meteorologist, a radio announcer in a T-shirt or an alert on your cellphone, get prepared.
