Fowler Police Urge Public to Avoid Storm Chasing After Tornado Warning

Description: Fowler Police Department reminds motorists that tornado warnings are not spectator events after drivers interfered with emergency vehicles during severe weather response. Officials urge residents to shelter safely and leave storm response to trained personnel.

PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE – SEVERE WEATHER RESPONSE

During tonight’s tornado warning, Fowler Police, Fire, EMS, Dispatch, and emergency management personnel were actively tracking storm activity, relaying information, and working to keep our community informed and safe.

Unfortunately, several motorists chose to drive toward the storm and, in some cases, pulled in front of emergency vehicles operating with emergency lights activated in an attempt to get a better view of the tornado.

Please remember:

A tornado warning is not a spectator event. Emergency vehicles need immediate access to roadways and storm observation points. Pulling in front of emergency vehicles creates unnecessary hazards and delays critical information gathering and response efforts. When a tornado warning is issued, your safest place is a sturdy shelter, not the driver’s seat of a vehicle chasing the storm.

We understand severe weather can be concerning, and many people want to know what is happening. However, our first priority is protecting lives and providing timely information to the public. We ask everyone to give emergency responders the space they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.

We appreciate the many residents who took the warnings seriously and sheltered in place. Thankfully, this storm passed south of town and no significant injuries have been reported.

Stay weather aware, stay safe, and please leave storm response to trained emergency personnel.

– Fowler Police Department

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Photos by Storm Cloud Photography