Pleasantville Tornado on 4/4/2023, Photo by Kathy Malli

This is Iowa Severe Weather Awareness Week, a time for residents to review their safety plans when tornadoes, strong thunderstorms, and flooding impact the area during the spring and summer months.

Chad Hahn is the Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Des Moines, and says the three main warnings they issue all include different threats to life and property between tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and flash floods.

Hahn says they work with media outlets such as KNIA/KRLS to provide up-to-date watch and warning information after they are issued and until the threat passes.

The KNIA/KRLS Severe Weather Action Team is on the air for any tornado or severe thunderstorm warning for any portion of Marion and Warren Counties, with backup generators ensuring the coverage stays on if the power goes out. Hear more about how the National Weather Service prepares for severe weather during the Statewide Tornado Drill on Wednesday at 10 a.m. on KNIA/KRLS.