With new wireless alerts for destructive severe thunderstorms now issued by the National Weather Service, other notifications remain in place, especially if a tornado is expected to hit a populated area.

Meteorologist Roger Vachalek with the National Weather Service was the one who issued a warning for the funnel that caused damage west of Pella on Father’s Day this year. He says the storm had the potential to stay on the ground, which prompted cell phone warnings for all residents due to the unique nature and possible damage and injuries if it did.

Vachalek says communication during severe weather events is critical, especially as the state has seen an uptick in damaging storms, such as the 2020 Derecho and 2018 tornados in Marshalltown and at Vermeer Corporation. The KNIA/KRLS Severe Weather Action Team is on the air for any severe thunderstorm or tornado warning for any portion of Marion and Warren Counties.