Kansas governor Laura Kelly is urging people to keep an eye on the weather as they make plans for the Memorial Day weekend. She said in many areas, conditions are not safe and she’s calling on Kansans to put safety first and check the weather before they head out on a holiday weekend trip.
The governor spoke at a news conference in Topeka with Kansas adjutant general Lee Tafanelli and National Weather service officials. The governor has signed a disaster declaration that now includes 42 counties.
Tafanelli said the state’s emergency operations center is keeping an eye on conditions and working with county emergency management officials to provide any needed response to local areas. Tafanelli said the National Guard has provided water to some communities, and Guard soldiers are standing by to help with evacuations if needed, along with shelter services and help with water and power needs.
Tafanelli is urging Kansas residents to heed warnings from local officials to evacuate if flooding conditions worsen. He also said drivers should avoid flooded roadways, and people should not try to wade or drive through flooded areas.
