With the latest thunderstorms in the Raccoon Valley Radio listening area, a local emergency management agency discusses the importance of knowing the different alerts when severe weather occurs. 

Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Management Coordinator Bob Kempf says there are two alerts that start with a thunderstorm watch which means there are weather conditions that could easily develop into severe thunderstorms. 

“That’s the purpose of a watch is to give you that advanced warning that the atmosphere in your area is ripe for the potential of the formation or the continuation of something that comes from outside of your area. So beginning with the watch is where you want to start doing that. Be weather aware so that you know what’s coming your direction or what’s in the county next to you and things like that.”

Kempf says when the warning is issued that’s when people need to take immediate action and get to a place inside and safe.

“That’s getting inside, staying away from the windows, making sure that, you know, if you have  furniture that’s out or whatever, you know, getting vehicles inside, you know, battening down the hatches, as they say.”

He encourages everyone to sign up for the Alert Iowa mobile app and listen to Raccoon Valley Radio when severe weather happens to get up to the minute information that can save lives.  

 

https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=AGCountiesIowaAlerts