116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Key to severe weather season: Be prepared
The thunder rolls, the lightning flashes, the familiar words of the season are heard, “The National Weather Service has just issued a severe weather warning for your county.” Thankfully, last year was a quieter year for severe weather. Could 2010 be the same?
Severe thunderstorms have already moved across the southern United States this year, unfolding dangerous combi-nations of high winds, large hail, deadly lightning, heavy rains, flash flooding and tornadoes. This past Friday, Eastern Iowa experienced it's first round of severe weather for the 2010 season, as a line of severe thunderstorms produced hail and damaging winds during the early afternoon hours.
With Monday through Friday designated as Severe Weather Awareness Week, it is a good time for Eastern Iowans to review severe weather basics and prepare for their most active severe weather months, April, May, June and July.
There have been 78 tornadoes in the United States so far in 2010.
On average, Iowans experience about 48 tornadoes every year with the best chances coming during May and June. In 1997, Iowa saw its lowest number of tornadoes with 22, while in 2004, the state saw the greatest number with 120. Late afternoon into evening, from 4 to 7 p.m., is the time most favorable for tornadoes.
What can you do to prepare?
Take time to review your personal plan for severe weather, locating a safe place for you at home and at work before the first severe weather events occur.
Stay informed. Weather reports are available in more places than ever. Local radio stations, Internet sites and digital television channels all update weather often. Services are available for your home telephone, cell phone or e-mail account to alert you to breaking weather events. Investing in a weather radio also can help you get the news you need at the most important time.
There is a network of individuals in our community who are watching the weather every day, from the National Weather Service to the local emergency management agencies and the KCRG-TV9 First Alert Storm Team, including dozens of weather spotters. All share an interest in serving the community.
-Joe Winters, KCRG-TV9 chief meteorologist
Links:
-First Alert Pinpoint Doppler Radar
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A funnel cloud touches down as it roughly follows Highway 94 on Friday, May 21, 2004, in Palo. The tornado destroyed several homes, downed trees and ripped the roofs off homes and garages in the town.
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