With the threat of severe weather in Lafayette County tonight and Saturday, a new tornado shelter is now open and available for use.

The shelter is located at the Lafayette County Business Complex off F.D. “Buddy” East Parkway and can accommodate approximately 98 people, according to Public Information Officer Beau Moore.

Constructed of steel and cement, the shelter is designed to withstand an F5 tornado. Its location was chosen to provide a safe space for those working at or visiting the complex and the multipurpose arena during a tornado warning.

“It is also open to the general public,” Moore said. “If someone is driving by and a warning goes off, they’re welcome to pull in and use the shelter. Likewise, anyone living nearby is welcome at any time. It will always be open and accessible.”

The county received a federal grant that covered 90 percent of the construction costs.

“It’s our biggest storm shelter in the county,” Moore said.

Smaller shelters, located at county fire stations, can hold around 10 to 12 people. Moore added that the Lafayette County Board of Supervisors is considering purchasing additional shelters this year.

Near the complex, just south of the arena, the county is also preparing the ground for an 8,000-square-foot emergency operations center. The site is currently being cleared, and Emergency Management Director Steve Quarles expects the building to be constructed and operational within about two years.

The $4 million facility is primarily funded by a House appropriation grant.