As spring approaches, so does the possibility of severe weather across the Midwest.
The National Weather Service designated March 4-8 Severe Weather Preparedness Week to promote diligent planning for inclement weather. Stay safe this severe weather season by staying informed and preparing for our area’s most common types of severe weather.
The first line of defense during a severe weather threat is the ability to access information quickly. Set yourself up for success by establishing multiple methods to receive severe weather information.
According to the National Weather Service, tornado sirens are designed only to alert those outside. Make sure you can access weather alerts when inside a home or business.
Stay informed indoors by:
- Setting up a weather radio in your home.
- Downloading a weather app on your mobile device and turning on notifications.
- Signing up for NotifyJoCo to receive time-sensitive alerts, including weather warnings.
Severe weather can unleash hazardous conditions, including damaging winds, hail, lightning, flooding and tornadoes. If severe weather develops while you are driving, find shelter quickly and avoid driving across flooded streets. The safest place to be during severe weather is indoors.
Prepare your family and your home for severe weather by:
- Identifying the safest location within your home for shelter during a tornado, preferably on the lowest floor and away from windows and doors.
- Engaging in discussions with your family about severe weather procedures and rehearsing your family’s response plan.
- Stocking up on flashlights and batteries to navigate potential power outages effectively.
Watches vs. Warnings
Forecasters issue severe thunderstorm or tornado watches when there is a risk of severe weather with some uncertainty in severity or timing. Watches are typically issued to larger areas like Johnson County or multiple counties.
A warning is issued when a severe weather threat to life or property or occurring or imminent. Forecasters only issue warnings for the affected areas.
Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and stay safe during this severe weather season. Use Severe Weather Preparedness Week as your opportunity to plan.
Find additional information on the Johnson County Severe Weather Guide and the National Weather Service website.