By Michael V. Hannigan
Henderson County is currently under a Tornado Watch until 7 p.m.
Here is a severe weather briefing from the National Weather Service for today.
While we are always aware of the dangers of severe weather here, the events yesterday in Oklahoma have many people on edge as storm cells approach the county. When it comes to severe weather it could cause a lot of damage to homes, destroying roofs, gardens and pulling down trees. Some homeowners find that using somewhere like these austin roofing companies could help them to get back on their feet when the weather has knocked them off it.
I spoke with Henderson County Emergency Management Coordinator Joy Kimbrough regarding today’s weather, and she said that the likely window for the most severe weather in Henderson County was between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
She said that was just an estimate, however, based on current weather models.
“We are in close contact with the National Weather Service and we will do as much as we possible can to let people know if severe weather is coming,” she said.
Those looking for a place to shelter before the storm can go to the County Courthouse basement or the Cain Center.
Kimbrough said to be aware the courthouse basement “can get tight.”
If shelters are needed after the storm, locations are set up in Seven Points at the Lakeview Assembly of God Church (903-288-4376), Coffee City Community Center (903-876-3414), and several church in Athens (call Fire Department, 903-677-6644).
Kimbrough said to make sure and take the storm seriously.
“Be careful,” she said, and shelter from severe weather “in the safest, inside room away from windows.”