Wednesday’s severe weather comes as the Kansas Turnpike Authority is planning to remove most of its tornado shelters.
Director of Business Services and Customer Relations Rachel Bell says the move comes as the Turnpike Authority continues moving towards cashless tolling by July. She did not immediately confirm which shelters will be removed, but shelters at the KTA’s six service areas — including mile marker 132 outside Emporia and mile marker 97 near Matfield Green — will remain available.
While the shelters provide a safe haven for travelers, Bell says the shelters were intended to be used by KTA staff. She also says the KTA doesn’t staff all shifts at the tollgates, so the shelters are rarely used.
The National Weather Service says highway drivers need to be aware of their surroundings at all times, including how close the nearest exit is. If getting to a shelter is not an option, the Weather Service also says people need to get down to the lowest point like a ditch and cover their heads. The Weather Service and Turnpike Authority also says people should not drive under an overpass for shelter because wind speeds actually pick up under bridges. The KTA encourages drivers to have an emergency kit as well.
