By KALEY LYON

klyon@dailynews.net

While Thursday night's storm system stayed west of Ellis County, local authorities continue to monitor a new storm that could move in later today.

Addie Homburg, Ellis County emergency management coordinator, encouraged county residents to pay attention to the news today, and to be prepared for this year's storm season.

"I would encourage everybody to pay attention to what they're hearing on the news and what the National Weather Service is telling us," she said. "We really need to heed their information and heed their warnings.

"We are in a more target zone today and later this afternoon, so we need to make sure we watch that closely."

The storms Thursday night, which lasted until this morning, were monitored by Ellis County officials but remained west of the county. No damage has been reported, and no tornado sirens were sounded, Homburg said.

Early today, however, a meteorological tower north of Ellis was struck by lightning, as well as the NOAA weather radio on top of it, she said.

This system, which is overseen by Dodge City's National Weather Service, is undergoing repair so it will be up and running before the new storms move in, Homburg said.

Homburg said she was notified immediately when the radio was struck by lightning, which occurred at about 4 a.m.

"We're working to get it back up and running before tonight," Homburg said. "That's why I say listen to your TV and just be paying attention today."

Storm spotters already were sent out to monitor this morning's storms, and the county will continue to monitor atmospheric conditions closely, she said.

And as always, it's good to have a plan in place and a preparedness kit for the onset of the summer storm season, Homburg said.

It's advisable to have a weather radio on hand and to make a family plan in case of an emergency. Practicing that plan also could be beneficial, she said.

It's also a good idea to compile an emergency preparedness kit and to contact the local Red Cross for help in establishing such a kit and making a plan, Homburg said.