Campers ready in case severe weather strikes Memorial Day weekend

Considered the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day weekend brings thousands of people to area parks and lakes to camp out. However, being outside exposes one to the brute force of Mother Nature.

Despite several severe weather outbreaks in recent weeks, campers aren’t too worried.

“I chased storms for 36 years as a career firefighter so I’m aware of it and very much aware of what can happen and how quickly it can happen,” said Mike Steube of York.

Experienced campers are well aware of what safety precautions they need to take before strong storms strike.

Steube recalls a strong storm that roared through the Branched Oak region late several years ago that damaged several tents and campers. He said it happened in the middle of the night and there wasn’t time to get to shelter, so he waited out the storm in his camper.

“It was scary,” he said.

Other visitors also have their plans in place in case the weather turns nasty.

“If it gets too bad we head right over there to men’s brick restroom,” said Steve Kastrup of Omaha.

“If we can’t make it there then we just open up our beers and margaritas and wait out the storm,” said Desi Kastrup.

“Our only alternative is if we can get out quick enough to get out of here, or, most of the time, we go to the bathhouses. The bathhouses are all concrete,” said Steube.

It’s always a good idea to have a weather radio with you, as well as your cell phones, so you can know immediately when severe weather alerts are issued.

Campgrounds like Branched Oak lake make sure that people are as notified as possible.

“We do have two sirens located out here, and so if there is an impending tornado that comes close they will go off,” said Dave Kinnamon of Nebraska Game & Parks.

Campers also have some good advice.

“Basically know where your bathhouses are so in the event that you got to go there, you know where to go, and do it before it’s too late,” Steube said.

The Kastrups have similar advice.

“Just be aware of your surroundings and make sure you take shelter if you hear anything that’s going to come in,” said Desi.

“Keep you radio on, especially at night,” said Steve.