Officials in Ford County put precautionary measures, including places of shelter, in place Thursday afternoon in anticipation of severe weather for the remainder of the evening.

Ford County is in preparation for a major storm system that will enter Ford County from the south at approximately 5 p.m.

This storm system may produce high winds, medium-sized hail, rain and possibly tornado activity.

The Dodge City Community College Student Activities Center will be open to shelter individuals and families in the event of severe weather. Residents are asked to monitor all media sources including weather radio to receive up-to-date information.

The Ford County Emergency Operations Center was activated and staff/community partners are monitoring developments in real time.

Ford County Emergency Management was set to activate the severe weather alert system that includes “tornado sirens” when a threat, such as a tornado, is imminent.

Residents were asked to take shelter immediately if you hear severe weather sirens, and monitor the Ford County Facebook page for developing information.