Severe weather is predicted in the Longmont area this weekend and city staff is monitoring the skies, roads, bridges, and rivers to respond quickly if the situation calls for action.

Tornadoes, hail, wind and rain pounded Longmont and the surrounding region on Thursday night compelling the City of Longmont to open its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for several hours to help manage possible issues resulting from the severe weather. Fortunately, there were no serious weather-related incidents and the EOC shut down shortly before midnight.

Longmont Public Safety in cooperation with other City Departments is ready to respond quickly this weekend if the need arises to open the EOC at any point this weekend. In the meantime, residents should keep their eyes to the skies and keep a few things in mind.

• The City operates an Outdoor Warning System – it’s a loud siren sounded from large speakers located in various parts of the city. The siren is used to notify residents of a tornado and if you hear it you must seek shelter immediately. Tune to local media for weather updates. Get answers to questions about the Outdoor Warning System at https://longmontcolorado.gov/departments/departments-n-z/public-safety-department/public-safety-chief/office-of-emergency-management.

• The City’s River Watch crew has been activated to monitor conditions in area waterways and ditches. As of Friday, June 5, all areas are flowing well. Regular monitoring will continue throughout the weekend. 

• As possible, the City is regulating water flow through area ditches and reservoirs to create extra storage capacity in anticipation of additional rainfall.

• Residents can find information on flood preparedness and safety, as well as local creek conditions at www.bit.ly/floodpreparedness. It is important that residents stay vigilant throughout the weekend to be informed and prepared as conditions could change rapidly.

• As a precaution, several areas along the St. Vrain and Left Hand Greenways have been closed. Please respect all closures and use alternate routes; plan ahead with our Trail Status Map at www.LongmontColorado.gov/trail-status.

• There are many outdoor events happening in Longmont this weekend and if you find yourself out in the open during severe weather, you should seek refuge in a building, a shelter or a ditch. DO NOT TRY TO OUTRUN A TORNADO! See other tornado tips at https://longmontcolorado.gov/departments/departments-n-z/public-safety-department/public-safety-chief/office-of-emergency-management/tornado.

• During a citywide storm emergency, visit www.longmontoem.org for the latest information.