Storm Season: Dowell Fire Department to give away weather radios at March 4 event

As storm clouds gathered over Perry County today the Dowell Fire Department continues to make plans for a March 4 weather radio programming and giveaway event at the fire station on March 4 from 1-3 p.m.

He said the Dowell Fire Department and Jackson County Emergency Management are partnering with Wal-Mart on the event.

"We should have four or five radios we will give away," said Fire Chief David Hock. Starting today, you should be able to register at the village hall for the drawing. "These radios will be pre-programmed and we will probably give them away at around 3 p.m. on March 4," he continued.

The event is part of Illinois Storm Preparedness Month, which is held every March. "Shawn Priddy of Jackson County Emergency Management will be there," he said.

If you purchased a weather radio or received one as a gift, but have never had it programmed this would be a good opportunity to do so.

The National Weather Service had called for rain starting at 1 a.m. this morning, turning into an 80 percent chance of storms throughout the day with brisk winds hitting 30 mph.

Perry County Emergency Services will be tracking the storm activity.