KC Reporter

Kansas City is gearing up for severe weather expected to hit the area starting Thursday and lasting through Saturday. The city's various departments are collaborating to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.

The City's Office of Emergency Management is on high alert during severe weather events, coordinating resources with partners across the region. Public Works, one of the key departments involved, has a plan in place to deploy crews and equipment to clear debris and ensure traffic flow in case of storm damage.

According to a city official, "Depending on the severity of the storm's damage, Public Works could deploy crews consisting of approximately 100 employees." The department is prepared to use specialized equipment like clam trucks to pick up debris and handle fallen trees, working in conjunction with Parks & Recreation and contractors.

KC Water, another essential department, is closely monitoring the weather and has staff ready to respond to storm damage or flooding. "Water managers in all field divisions monitor 311 coded calls and respond accordingly," shared a spokesperson. The department is equipped with barricades to address any issues that may arise during the severe weather event.

In preparation for the impending severe weather, Parks & Recreation has mobilized its workforce, with 105 employees and a fleet of 40 trucks at the ready. "Parks works in tandem with Public Works to remove debris following a storm using their large fleet of trucks and crew members," stated a Parks official. The department's forestry teams are also prepared to tackle tree-related challenges that may arise during the severe weather.

Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant during the severe weather period and report any issues promptly. The city has provided channels for reporting problems, including the myKCMO app and the 311 hotline, to ensure a swift response to any storm-related concerns.