Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa begins today. Each day Raccoon Valley Radio will be highlighting a particular topic of importance. Today is Severe Thunderstorm Awareness Day.

Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Bob Kempf explains what is considered a severe thunderstorm. “Basically a severe thunderstorm, you’re looking at the capability of producing hail up to an inch or larger and winds that gust over 58 miles per hour. That’s the criteria that’s used to determine whether it’s a thunderstorm or a severe thunderstorm.”

Kempf emphasizes taking basic preparedness measures and checking on others to make sure they are safe and informed. Be sure to listen to Raccoon Valley Radio’s Severe Weather Action Team to stay informed on the latest in severe thunderstorm developments. We will provide weather forecasts, current road conditions, and any cancellations and delays to activities and events. To hear more from Kempf listen to tomorrow’s Let’s Talk Guthrie County program.