“Twisters”: A movie with the potential lesson on severe weather

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)– Thus far, it has been an active summer in Mid-Michigan, with 53 severe thunderstorm warnings and 3 tornado warnings issued across the area.

So, while we are no stranger to severe weather in Mid-Michigan, there is a new film in theaters that experts, like Ingham County Emergency Manager Rob Dale, say can help to raise awareness about the importance of receiving severe weather alerts.

Twisters is a standalone sequel to the 1996 blockbuster hit Twister, and it follows a new generation of storm chasers with new technology in Oklahoma. But Dale says that even though the movie is set outside of Michigan, it can still apply to us, saying “What we want people to do is realize that it can happen just about anywhere, certainly here in Michigan. We want people to be alert to not only those changing conditions but ways to get notifications”.

There are several ways to receive severe weather alerts, including NOAA Weather Radios, TV/News Broadcasts, Emergency Alerts on the Radio, and through mobile apps. It’s important that you receive these alerts and that you also know what to do when you get a severe storm warning.

Dale says that disaster films like this also help to raise awareness about the importance of having a severe weather plan.

“We really want to take this time to use movies like this to raise awareness that okay, you know, it’s not a drawn-out long-term thing, but what can I have, what can I put in place that will keep me, my family, and my friends, safe,” said Dale.

Your severe weather plan should include information about where you would go if you do receive a severe storm warning, how you would contact family and friends, etc.

If you are looking for help with developing your severe weather plan FEMAs website, Ready.gov , has templates with additional information to walk you through the process, there are also additional resources provided by the National Weather Service.

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