Gov. Branstad designates March 27-31 as Severe Weather Awareness Week
Lightning streaks across the sky during a recent thunderstorm in Mahaska County. (photo by Ginger Allsup/Oskaloosa News)
The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD) the National Weather Service (NWS) and local emergency management agencies have again joined together to promote severe weather awareness and family preparedness.
“Just a few weeks ago, some areas of the state were heavily damaged by tornadoes and severe weather,” said Branstad. “That is an unfortunate reminder that Iowa not only has frequent severe weather, but that severe weather can strike at any time. Now is the time to review your emergency plans and make sure you are prepared.”
For each day during Severe Weather Awareness Week, a different subject will be featured:
· Monday – Severe thunderstorms
· Tuesday – Weather warnings
· Wednesday – Tornadoes
· Thursday – Family preparedness
· Friday – Flash floods
The annual tornado drill will take place on Wed., March 29, between 10 and 11 a.m. Schools, businesses, state and local governments and individuals are strongly encouraged to participate in the drill. Additional information about the tornado drill can be found on local NWS websites.
Fact sheets about severe weather and family and individual preparedness are available on both the NWS and Ready Iowa websites, as well as public service announcements. For more information about Severe Weather Awareness Week, to view the governor’s proclamation, and to link to your local NWS website, visit the Ready Iowa website www.beready.iowa.gov. Follow HSEMD and NWS on social media using the hashtag #IASWAW.
Mahaska County Emergency Manager Jamey Robinson says that his office will be participating in the state-wide tornado drill which will take place Wednesday at 10am.
