While many residents may wish to spend Memorial Day weekend at area parks and campgrounds, Guthrie County Conservation advises people to be wary of potential severe weather.

The majority of the bottom campground of Nations Bridge Park and Lenon Mill Park are both open for camping on a first-come, first-served basis. Conservation Director Joe Hanner always encourages people to enjoy the outdoors, but to be prepared in case of a severe thunderstorm or tornado, “Always keep safety in the front of your mind, keep an eye on that weather. With the technology nowadays that information is available but watch the weather when you’re outside for storms, lightning, tornadoes, all of that stuff. If you’re on the water by all means use a life jacket, (and) make sure your boat’s registered.”

Periodic chances of thunderstorms are predicted through next week, listen to Raccoon Valley Radio for weather updates.