Photo credit: Angela Cress Whetstine

The National Weather Service (NWS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Iowa Department of Homeland Security are promoting preparedness by observing March 23rd through the 27th as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa. Each day of the week focuses on a different hazard of severe weather, with Tuesday highlighting tornadoes.

The two agencies promote preparedness by taking action before the storm, including monitoring forecasts, having a plan, designating a shelter and knowing your community’s warning systems. During a severe weather event it’s advised to remain weather ready by monitoring changing conditions and the latest information through a trusted news source like a local radio station or weather radio. 

If a warning is issued while at home, seek shelter in the lowest floor of an interior room such as a basement. If at work or school, follow safety guidelines and avoid windows and large open rooms. If outdoors, try to find shelter, if none is available seek cover in a ditch or low-lying area, it is not safe to remain in a vehicle. In the last 75 years, tornadic formation is most common late afternoon to late evening, with more than 77% of tornadoes occurring between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The KCII Severe Weather Action Team provides live coverage 24 hours per day when a Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Warning is issued for Washington County, and our emergency backup generators make sure the coverage continues, even during a power outage. KCII will also participate in the statewide tornado drill Wednesday, March 25th, at 10 a.m. 

The one to count on for up-to-the-minute severe weather coverage is KCII.