The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD), National Weather Service (NWS), and Iowa Emergency Management Association (IEMA) have joined together to promote Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa.
Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 21-25, is an opportunity to highlight the importance of being aware of, and prepared for, severe weather. It is also an ideal time to review your family’s emergency plan, check the contents of your emergency kit, and sign up to receive alerts to stay weather aware.
The annual statewide tornado drill will take place on Wed., March 23, beginning at 10 a.m. In the event of severe weather, the drill will be postponed to March 24 at 10 a.m.
The City of Newton will participate in the statewide tornado drill scheduled for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 23. The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office will be activating the outdoor warning sirens in Newton. We encourage all residents of Newton to review your communication plan and “practice” their severe weather plans.
Each day during Severe Weather Awareness Week has a different focus:
- Monday – Severe thunderstorms
- Tuesday – Weather warnings
- Wednesday – Tornadoes
- Thursday – Family preparedness
- Friday – Flash floods
Information about each of these topics, as well as other weather hazards, can be found here: www.weather.gov/dmx/preparedness
