Line of damage from March 6th, 2017 tornado

One of the services provided by the National Weather Service aims to better understand how severe thunderstorms work and to better inform communities about the damage they cause.

Warning Coordination Meteorologist Kelsey Angle with the National Weather Service says after tornadoes are reported, they send teams to survey the damage to see the scope of what happened.

He says damage reports are vital immediately after a storm passes, as it helps provide better warning information as a system passes through.

Pella Police Department Administrative Services Director Marcia Slycord tells KNIA/KRLS News they pass on damage reports to the National Weather Service as well, but advises residents to prioritize their calls so help can get to where it’s most needed immediately following an emergency.

Stay tuned to KNIA/KRLS for continuing coverage of Iowa Severe Weather Awareness Week.