Iowans got serious reminders last year about the power of tornadoes with 15 people being injured in storms that contained twisters. National Weather Service meteorologist Jeff Johnson says 2004 was a record year for tornadoes in Iowa. Iowa recorded 120 tornadoes last year, beating a record of 105 tornadoes set four years ago. Between May 21st and 24th, almost 50 tornadoes were reported statewide. Johnson says tornado sightings have increased over the last few years due to more storm spotters being available for the weather service. Johnson says whenever the conditions are favorable for severe storms or tornadoes, the weather service will issue a watch for an area. As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa, there will be a tornado drill starting at 10 o’clock tomorrow morning (Thursday) with a test tornado watch and test warnings being issued. It was originally scheduled for today, but there’s a potential for severe weather today, so the Weather Service is keeping the warning pipeline open for real alerts. For more information, surf to “www.nws.noaa.gov”.
