Storms, Sirens, and Safety: What Lincoln County Residents Need to Know
- John Eads
- May 4
- 3 min read
Lincoln County, Mo — Severe weather can develop quickly across Missouri, and according to Lincoln County Emergency Management Director Quentin Laws, the April 17 storms were a clear reminder of just how fast conditions can change.
“Storm Prediction Center had been warning us for a while,” Laws said. “But that first supercell came through earlier than expected — it was kind of a shock. It’s a good example of how quickly things can change.”
When a tornado warning is issued, Laws says the response should be immediate.
“We’re all Midwesterners — we like to run outside and look,” he said. “But we strongly advise against that.”
Instead, residents should go to the lowest level of their home, move to an interior room or basement, and seek shelter immediately before looking for additional information.
For those living in mobile homes, the risk is significantly higher. Laws said having a plan ahead of time is critical, including knowing where to go before storms arrive.
“If you don’t have a safe place, be ready to go somewhere else before the storms get here,” he said.
One of the most common misconceptions involves outdoor warning sirens.
“They are outdoor warning sirens,” Laws explained. “They’re designed for people who are outside — not to be heard inside your home.”
Because of that, residents should never rely solely on sirens for alerts. Having multiple ways to receive warnings is critical.
Laws recommends weather radios, local news broadcasts, and emergency alert systems to stay informed in real time.
While tornadoes often get the most attention, flooding remains one of the most dangerous threats in Lincoln County.
“About 25% of the county sits in a floodplain because of the Mississippi River,” Laws said.
Flash flooding can happen quickly, even outside of those areas. In one recent example, Elsberry received more than a foot of rain in just a few hours, overwhelming drainage systems and flooding roadways.
When it comes to flooding, Laws says one mistake stands out above the rest.
“Driving through water,” he said.
It takes very little water to move a vehicle, and drivers often don’t know how deep or how fast the water is moving.
“That extra 30 seconds or minute to go around could save your life,” he added.
Residents who see water over roadways are encouraged to report it to dispatch so crews can respond and evaluate conditions.
Preparation doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to happen before severe weather arrives.
Laws recommends having a basic plan for your household, including where to take shelter, where to go if you need to leave, and keeping essential supplies ready such as food, water, and a charged battery pack.
He also emphasized the importance of asking questions and preparing ahead of time, rather than waiting until storms are already approaching.
“Don’t wait until the storm is five minutes away,” he said. “By then, it’s too late.”
Behind the scenes, emergency management is already preparing days in advance. Laws said his team works with the National Weather Service, local fire departments, law enforcement, and EMS to monitor conditions, coordinate response, and prepare resources ahead of severe weather events.
On the day of a storm, the Emergency Operations Center is activated if needed, allowing agencies to track weather in real time and respond quickly if damage occurs.
Laws said the biggest issue he sees is people underestimating severe weather.
“People just don’t take it seriously enough,” he said. “It only takes one storm to change everything.”
Residents can receive emergency alerts by signing up for Nixle by texting their ZIP code to 888777 or visiting www.nixle.com.
Non-emergency concerns, including flooded roadways, can be reported by calling 636-528-6100.
To watch the full interview with Quentin Laws and learn more about storm preparedness in Lincoln County, click below:
👉 Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/bl6yDbffuaI
If you have information, corrections, or would like to share your story, you can contact Lincoln CountyWatch by calling or texting 636-377-0201 or emailing tips@LincolnCountyWatch.com.
Lincoln CountyWatch is not affiliated with any law enforcement or government agency.
Story by John Eads
Sources: Interview with Quentin Laws, Lincoln County Emergency Management
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