Severe weather season never seems to end in Southwest Missouri. Unfortunately, severe weather seems to intensify as spring weather patterns develop. As a reminder, Carthage Junior High School, located at 827 E. Centennial is the only community shelter in Carthage. The shelter is available 24 hours per day/seven days per week when a tornado warning is issued, even during school hours.

Please remember the other school storm shelters are not available during school hours as the shelter occupancy levels were designed only for students and staff. However, storm shelters at Columbian Elementary, Carthage Intermediate Center, and Pleasant Valley Elementary will be open for public use during non-school hours. Hopefully, providing opportunities to four areas of the community will provide quicker access to a safe area.