3/25/18 - Dense Fog Advisory Issued

A Dense Fog Advisory has been issued 11:00pm tonight through 10:00am Monday.  Dense fog may develop across the area, reducing visibility to one-quarter mile or less at times.  If you are traveling reduce your speed, use low-beam headlights, and increase your follow distance.

New Emergency Notification System Launched For Scott County

We would like to announce the launch of a new emergency notification system for Scott County!

The local emergency notification system will be labeled “SCAlerts” (Scott County Alerts).  SCAlerts, powered by the CodeRED system, will serve as the backbone of the county’s public information and warning system during emergencies or disasters. The platform will allow public safety officials to communicate with residents and personnel by sending telephone calls, text messages, emails, posts to social media and Mobile Alert app messages, to inform residents of emergencies and better protect life and property.

This system will provide city and county officials with a reliable, easy-to-use method for ensuring our public is informed when it comes to threats and hazards which might impact our community.  We are eager to begin using this technology to enhance our emergency preparedness plans.  We anticipate using the system to notify residents of evacuations, shelter-in-place orders, fires, floods, public health emergencies, and more.

Scott County Emergency Management has also contracted the CodeRED Weather Warning system, an automated weather warning technology that delivers phone calls, text messages, and emails to registered residents and businesses within the direct path of severe weather. The CodeRED Weather Warning system is an opt-in service that automatically notifies those registered of tornado, flash flood, and severe thunderstorm warnings just moments after an alert is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). 

All residents living within Scott County are encouraged to click on the SCAlerts tab at the top of this site to learn more about the system, and to register using their landline and cell phone numbers, text and email addresses. No one should assume they are automatically part of the emergency contact database.

Any questions or concerns regarding the new system can be directed to Tim Stoecklein, Emergency Manager, by phone or email; (620) 874-8547 or ems@wbsnet.org

3/23/18 - Red Flag Warning Issued

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Friday, March 23rd from 1:00-7:00pm. Avoid ALL outdoor burning, and report any new fire starts immediately by calling 911.

3/23/18 - Red Flag Warning Issued

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Friday, March 23rd due to warm temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity. 

Ensure all "controlled" burns from the past couple of days are full extinguished, avoid all outdoor burning, and report any new fire starts immediately by calling 911.

3/16/18 - High Wind Warning Issued

A High Wind Warning has been issued 12:00-8:00pm on Friday, March 16th.  Secure loose items outdoors, be prepared for hazardous driving conditions, and remain vigilant with potential ignition sources.

3/15/18 - Red Flag Warning Issued

UPDATE: The timeframe has been altered, the RFW will be in effect from 1:00-8:00pm today.

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Thursday, March 15th from 1:00pm-9:00pm.  Warm temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity will combine to create elevated to critical fire danger on Thursday. 

Avoid ALL outdoor burning, and use extreme caution if working outdoors with any tools or equipment which could produce sparks.  Report new fire starts immediately by calling 911.

3/9/18 - Red Flag Warning Issued

A Red Flag Warning has been issued until 6:00pm for strong winds, low humidity, and dry fuels.  Avoid all outdoor burning, and report new fire starts immediately by calling 911.

Severe Weather Awareness Week - Tornado Safety

What is your plan?  Where will you seek shelter in the event of a tornado warning?  NOW is the time to have the discussion with your family and/or co-workers.  Identify the safest location within your home or office, and consider what supplies you might need to stock in these locations ahead of time.

3/6/18 - Statewide Tornado Drill Today

The Kansas Statewide Tornado Drill will take place today at 10am CT. During the drill numerous methods of notification will be tested, including weather radios, television and radio EAS, and mobile devices.  Additionally, our outdoor warning sirens will be sounded at 10am instead of noon for our daily test.

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS ONLY A DRILL.

3/6/18 - High Wind & Red Flag Warnings Issued

For Tuesday, March 6th, the National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued High Wind and Red Flag Warnings from 9:00am to 6:00pm. 

Continue to be vigilant in avoiding outdoor burning, using great caution with ignition sources, and report any new fire starts immediately.  With the high winds, be prepared for reduced visibility due to blowing dust, secure loose outdoor items, and use caution when driving or traveling next to high-profile vehicles.

3/5/18 - High Wind Warning & Red Flag Warning Issued

A High Wind Warning will be in effect from 6:00am-6:00pm on Monday.  Sustained winds of 35-45mph, along with gusts to 60mph, are forecast.  Take time today to secure loose items outdoors, and if you have travel plans during the period be alert for blowing dust and high profile vehicles.

Additionally, a Red Flag Warning will be in effect from 11:00am-9:00pm on Monday.  Any fire that starts will quickly spread with erratic fire behavior.  Avoid ALL outdoor burning, and report new fire starts immediately by calling 911.

3/4/18 - Red Flag Warning Issued

A Red Flag Warning has been issued from 12:00-7:00pm today. Critical fire weather conditions will be in place with strong gusty winds, low humidity, and high temperatures.

Outdoor burning of any kind should be avoided. Cigarettes should be disposed of properly. Report new fire starts immediately by calling 911.

Additionally, areas of blowing dust will be possible later today ahead of the arrival of a cold front.

3/2/18 - Fire Weather Information

A Red Flag Warning is now in effect for Saturday afternoon, and a Fire Weather Watch for Sunday. All it takes to ruin the weekend is one bad decision. Don't be that person.

3/2/18 - Red Flag Warning Issued

The Fire Weather Watch has been upgraded to a Red Flag Warning for today, March 2nd. Warm temperatures, gusty winds, and low humidity will created near critical fire danger conditions across southwest Kansas. 

All outdoor burning should be avoided, and new fire starts should be reported immediately by calling 911.

3/1/18 - Fire Weather Watch Issued

A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for Friday, March 2nd from noon to 7:00pm. Strong gusty winds, low humidity, and dry fuels will likely result in dangerous fire conditions.

Outdoor burning should be avoided, and any new fire starts should be reported quickly by calling 911.