Northwest Iowa — It’s warming up outside and that means we are entering our severe weather season.
The Warning Coordination Meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls Peter Rodgers tells us in our area we have severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and derechos during this time of the year. He tells us about two factors residents need to keep in mind when it comes to severe weather.
When asked what someone should do if they live in a mobile home Rodgers had this to say.
He says tornadoes are more likely during May and June, but they can come at any time. Rodgers tells us we had two derechos last year and the winds during the derechos were just as damaging as a tornado. He explains the difference is a tornado is a spiraling wind, but a derecho involves straight-line winds. During any storm with severe winds the National Weather Service will issue warnings, Rodgers tells us. Rodgers says that sometimes there is less time between the warning and the time it hits, and sometimes there is more time. It depends on the storm, he says, and how fast it’s moving.
Rodgers gives tips on what to do after a storm hits and causes damage.
Rodgers added that people should always have more than one way to receive a warning because sometimes systems fail. And as always, he emphasized, make sure everyone in your household knows where to go for shelter during a storm.
