Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 23-29, and KNIA KRLS Radio is partnering with area emergency officials and the National Weather Service to keep you as informed as possible on being prepared, staying safe and what to do if severe weather strikes Marion County. Members of the KNIA KRLS News staff recently attended National Weather Service storm spotter training, and Jim Lee, with the National Weather Service in Des Moines says radio is an important means of getting information from his office to the public.

Jeff Johnson, also with the National Weather Service, says that much of their information comes from spotters on site during storms, and they would like your help as well. Anyone interested in sharing severe weather information with the National Weather Service can find out how by going to KNIAKRLS.com and clicking on this story. The KNIA KRLS Severe Weather Action Team will interrupt regular programming for severe weather events in the Marion County area, as they occur, year-round.