Severe weather in Iowa can be pretty unpredictable from day-to-day.

As we end Severe Weather Awareness and Safety Week, Greene County Sheriff Steve Haupert talks about being prepared for any situations where severe weather is present.

Flash flooding has been an ongoing issue in the county, especially last summer in the western part and Sheriff Haupert says he and his deputies try to alert motorists of areas where water is coming across the road, making it impassable.

Haupert describes one situation that he was in last year to help illustrate how dangerous severe weather can be.

“I found myself near Coon Rapids, basically it was raining so hard that when the lightning flashed all of a sudden I realized that as I moving on pavement, I was also in a foot of water.  So luckily I made it to the westside of where the water was crossing; I was somewhat stranded.  So I just waited it out until the water receded.”

Other helpful tips, Haupert adds, that if you spot a tornado, to drive in the opposite direction and in several angles of the tornado.  However, if you see a funnel cloud that you can’t outrun, then he recommends that you don’t stay in your vehicle but instead find the lowest point of land or a sturdy structure and wait it out.