Severe Weather Awareness Week continues in Iowa. The National Weather Service and Emergency Management agencies across the state are reminding residents about the dangers of severe weather in the spring and summer months and how to be prepared in case of a weather-related emergency.

Marion County Engineer Tyler Christian tells KNIA/KRLS News What the Roads Department does during severe weather.

“We pay attention to the forecast. We may gas up the chainsaws and sharpen chains ahead of severe weather events. Other than that it’s more of a reaction to what has happened and we reprioritize our on-call for whatever it takes. 

Christian talks about in the event of flooding how road closures are decided.

“Usually once the water is across the road completely we close the road, if the water is on the shoulder we don’t typically close the road for that.  As soon as the water has crossed the traveled portion of the road we will close it, and depending on where it is and if there is flash flooding it may be a temporary closure with some temporary signs. If it’s flooding as we see around Lake Red Rock where the lake comes up and floods some roads, that is more of a permanent type barricade that we put across the road.”

KNIA/KRLS is live with Severe Weather Action Team coverage anytime a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued for any portion of Marion or Warren Counties.