From navigating floodwaters to surviving the aftermath of a severe storm, South Dakotans are being urged to make sure they're ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at them this spring.
In its latest outlook, the National Weather Service said melting snow from recent winter storms raises the risk of river flooding in parts of eastern South Dakota.
Carrie Carlson-Guest, regional communications director for the American Red Cross of Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, said recent footage from flood-ravaged California should remind drivers to stop and think when encountering standing water.
"And we say 'Turn around, don't drown' because you see an intersection may be flooded and people think, 'Oh, well, it's not that deep.' And then they can get into it and in a few inches, that can lift a car up and push it into an area that's really dangerous," Carlson-Guest cautioned.
As for severe weather, she suggests having a preparedness kit put together. The organization said it can help with being stuck at home with no power or access to help, or if you're forced to leave or are trapped while on the road. The checklist can include water bottles, nonperishable food, first-aid supplies, flashlights, blankets and sleeping bags.
Source: publicnewsservice.org
Categories: South Dakota, General, Weather