It’s smart to have a plan for bad weather

The recent late-May frost across the state may have us wondering if spring and summer are coming. With temperatures below normal for the months of January through April, and precipitation above normal for the months of February and April, we find ourselves waiting for the summer sunshine and warm temperatures.

As of early last week, the month of May had us still waiting.

If there is one thing we all can be sure of, it is that the weather in Eastern Iowa will change. And, every year across Iowa, there are times we find ourselves in the path of the worst from Mother Nature, from tornadoes, thunderstorms and high winds to hail, lightning and flooding. While the weather changes, the words remain the same, 'A tornado warning is in effect for the following counties in Eastern Iowa…”.

Believe it or not, there was a time when the Federal Communications Commission banned the broadcast of tornado warnings on radio and television, fearing it could lead to a public panic.

This changed in the mid-1950s after several tornadoes caused extensive damage and death.

From television and radio, including National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio, to websites and social media, to telephone and mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, much has changed in the dissemination of weather information.

The equipment used to detect and measure weather has changed, too.

When I first arrived at KCRG-TV9 TV-9 in the fall of 1990, we used weather radar called WR-100.

In the early 1990s, KCRG-TV9 upgraded to Live Pinpoint Doppler radar, a newer and more sophisticated radar data that produces better watches and warnings and is still used today.

It was during the 1990s when the ability to show estimated times of arrival for storms was added, known as eta's, helping people to find safety in time and know exactly when the worst part of the storm would move in.

Radar technology continues to advance with dual-polarization, allowing meteorologists to identify types of precipitation occurring, wind directions within storms and debris signatures, leading to earlier prediction and better and more accurate warnings.

While the equipment has changed over the years, the use of social media has brought new challenges. Much severe weather information is now sent out through Twitter and Facebook, which is good and bad. Sharing information to as wide an audience as possible helps in keeping everyone safe.

However, as media outlets, we cannot control how information is distributed in social media. For example, with Facebook, if you do not have your news feed set up to see the most recent stories, or if you are not interacting with the KCRG-TV9 First Alert Facebook page enough, you may not see the severe weather information we put out. This means that you may or may not get timely information if you are only relying on Twitter and Facebook for weather updates.

Also, when using social media, we need to concern ourselves with where severe weather information is coming from. There are many individuals and groups on social media that have very convincing names. However, when you look beneath the surface, you see they have little to no experience, education or training when it comes to weather forecasting and warning.

Having the best and most up-to-date weather information is important; however, your preparation and action is needed to assure your safety during severe weather. While much has changed in the collection and dissemination of weather data, the common sense of what you should do to stay safe remains the same.

It is wise to have a plan for severe weather in your home and at work, so when the sky threatens, you know where to go for shelter. Also, have multiple ways to receive important lifesaving weather information. Then, take seriously the severe thunderstorm and tornado watches and warnings.

Having a plan, and staying informed will give you the best chance of survival.

' Joe Winters is chief meteorologist, KCRGTV-9. Comments: Joe.Winters@sourcemedia.net