Iowa Severe Weather Awareness Week: What You Need to Know
Each spring, Iowans prepare for a season that can bring rapidly changing and sometimes dangerous weather. To help residents stay informed and safe, Iowa Severe Weather Awareness Week is held every year in late March. This week serves as a reminder that tornadoes, flooding, severe thunderstorms, and other hazards are part of life in our state—and preparation is key.
What Is Iowa Severe Weather Awareness Week?
This statewide event is a partnership between the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD) and the National Weather Service (NWS). Each day of the week focuses on a different severe weather hazard common to Iowa. Through community outreach, school programs, and media coverage, the goal is to raise awareness and encourage residents to review their emergency plans.
Daily Topics
While the schedule can vary slightly each year, here’s the typical breakdown of topics:
- Monday: Severe thunderstorms and lightning safety
- Tuesday: Flash flooding and flood preparedness
- Wednesday: Tornado safety, with a statewide tornado drill at 10 a.m.
- Thursday: Severe weather preparedness (emergency kits, family plans, communication strategies)
- Friday: Weather radios, alerts, and warning systems
These themes highlight not only the dangers but also the practical steps every household can take.
Why It Matters for Iowans
Iowa averages about 50 tornadoes per year, in addition to countless severe thunderstorms and flash flooding events. These storms can cause property damage, power outages, and most importantly, put lives at risk. Severe Weather Awareness Week is a reminder to:
- Review your emergency plan with your family.
- Know where your safe shelter is located—whether that’s a basement, an interior room, or a certified storm shelter.
- Check your emergency kit for essentials like flashlights, water, medications, and phone chargers.
- Ensure you have multiple ways to receive alerts—weather radios, mobile alerts, and local news apps.
The Statewide Tornado Drill
One of the highlights of the week is the statewide tornado drill, which usually takes place mid-week. At 10 a.m., sirens sound across Iowa to simulate a tornado warning. This is the perfect opportunity for schools, businesses, and families to practice their safety plans in real time.
Stay Alert with the ISCN Weather App
Preparedness starts with timely information. The ISCN Weather App gives you real-time alerts, forecasts, and radar specifically designed for Iowans. During Severe Weather Awareness Week—and throughout storm season—you can rely on the app to track severe weather as it develops and make quick, informed decisions for your safety.
Download the app today at iowaweather.com/app and be ready before the next storm strikes.
How You Can Participate
- Follow your local National Weather Service office or emergency management agency on social media.
- Take part in the tornado drill with your workplace, school, or family.
- Share preparedness tips with neighbors and friends.
- Consider investing in a storm shelter or reviewing your home’s safety features.
Severe Weather Awareness Week isn’t just about education—it’s about action. The time to prepare for severe weather is before it strikes. By taking simple steps now, you can protect yourself, your family, and your community when Iowa’s storms inevitably return.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and let’s make this Severe Weather Awareness Week count.