Gov. Branstad designates March 21‐25 as Severe Weather Awareness Week

Lightning streaks across the sky during a recent thunderstorm in Mahaska County. (photo by Ginger Allsup/Oskaloosa News)

DES MOINES – Governor Terry E. Branstad has proclaimed March 21‐25, 2016, as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa.

The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD), the National Weather Service (NWS), and Iowa’s local emergency managers have again joined together to promote severe weather awareness and family preparedness.

Jamey Robinson with Mahaska County Emergency Management states “preparedness for severe weather is a necessity in Iowa. Our weather changes without notice and can become unstable, citizens need to be prepared for the worst case scenario.” Robinson further states that Mahaska County will participate in the week long activates which include posting information to social media and siren activation, weather permitting.

For each day during Severe Weather Awareness Week, a different subject will be featured:

Monday – Severe thunderstorms
Tuesday – Weather warnings
Wednesday – Tornadoes‐Siren activation 10am
Thursday – Family preparedness
Friday – Flash floods

The annual tornado drill will take place on Wednesday, March 23, at approximately 10 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.

For more information on severe weather preparedness, visit the following links www.beready.iowa.gov www.mahaskaready.com https://www.facebook.com/Mahaskaema/