• Home
  • News
    • Politics & Government
    • Business & Economy
    • Crime / Courts
    • Health / Medicine
  • Sports
    • High School Sports
    • Radio Iowa Poll
  • Affiliates
    • Affiliate Support Page
  • Contact Us
    • Reporters

Radio Iowa

Iowa's Radio News Network

You are here: Home / Weather / Severe Weather Awareness Week highlights danger of thunderstorms

Severe Weather Awareness Week highlights danger of thunderstorms

April 8, 2008 By admin

April showers might bring May flowers, but those showers could evolve into house-rattling thunderstorms. As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, Iowans are being reminded about the dangers of such storms. Meteorologist Jeff Johnson, at the National Weather Service’s Des Moines office, says there’s a set criteria they follow to determine if a storm will be declared as a "severe" thunderstorm.

He says storms must be producing hail at least three-quarters of an inch in diameter, winds in excess of 58-miles-per-hour, or both. Johnson says straight line winds, which often accompany thunderstorms, can cause a lot of damage — to trees, to shingles on the roof, and elsewhere. Johnson says Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are not to be taken lightly.

He says, "Treat them like a tornado warning. At a minimum, get inside, get away from windows, get off the water and head indoor when you hear a Severe Thunderstorm Warning." Johnson says tornadoes can sometimes spin out of a severe thunderstorm with virtually no warning, so it’s a wise idea to take cover.

"The best place would be the bottom story, preferably below ground or a basement and the interior of the house with as many walls between you and the tornado in a small room would be best," he says. For more information about Severe Weather Awareness Week, visit the National Weather Service website .

 

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Weather

Featured Stories

Bill would limit placement of solar arrays on farm ground

Marquette casino moving to land, leaving only 2 casino boats in Iowa

Reynolds signs her ‘school choice’ bill into law

Governor Reynolds touts 2024 Iowa Caucuses in Inaugural Address

University of Iowa grad presiding over U.S. House Speaker vote

TwitterFacebook
Tweets by RadioIowa

No coaching changes coming for Iowa football

Iowa State names new receivers coach

No. 2 Iowa visits No. 1 Penn State in wrestling dual Friday night

Iowa’s Clark brings increased exposure to women’s basketball

No. 18 Iowa State women visit TCU

More Sports

Archives

Copyright © 2023 ยท Learfield News & Ag, LLC