Tornado Watch Issued for Iowa Saturday Evening: What You Need to Know
A tornado watch is in effect for several Iowa counties until 7 p.m. on Saturday evening. The affected areas stretch from Benton to Wright counties and beyond, and residents in the impacted locations are encouraged to take steps to stay safe. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Tornado Watch?
A tornado watch is issued when atmospheric conditions are right for tornadoes to develop. This means that you should be on the lookout for severe weather, even if there isn’t an active threat at the moment. It’s important to stay vigilant during a tornado watch so that you can take action quickly if necessary.
Which Iowa Counties Are Affected by the Tornado Watch?
The tornado watch includes the following Iowa counties:
| Benton | Calhoun | Clay | Greene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton | Humboldt | Jasper | Keokuk |
| Mahaska | Monroe | Pocahontas | Sac |
| Van Buren | Washington | Boone | Carroll |
| Dallas | Grundy | Hardin | Ida |
| Jefferson | Lee | Marion | O’Brien |
| Polk | Story | Wapello | Webster |
| Buena Vista | Cherokee | Des Moines | Guthrie |
| Henry | Iowa | Johnson | Louisa |
| Marshall | Plymouth | Poweshiek | Tama |
| Warren | Wright |
What Are the Possible Threats?
The possible threats associated with the tornado watch include:
- Tornadoes
- Scattered hail (up to ping pong ball size)
- Isolated wind gusts (up to 70 miles per hour)
What Should You Do?
If you live in one of the affected Iowa counties, it’s important to take steps to stay safe during the tornado watch. Here are a few things you can do:
Stay Informed
Make sure you know what’s happening in your area by monitoring local news and weather updates. You can also sign up for text alerts or download a weather app to stay informed.
Have a Plan
You should have a plan in place for what you’ll do if severe weather strikes. Identify a safe place in your home where you can take shelter, and make sure everyone in your household knows where to go.
Stock Up on Supplies
Make sure you have everything you need in case you have to stay in your safe place for an extended period of time. This might include water, food, blankets, and a battery-powered radio or other devices.
Be Ready to Take Action
If a tornado warning is issued for your area, it’s important to take action quickly. Head to your safe place and stay there until the warning has passed.
Conclusion
Although a tornado watch can be a scary thing, it’s important to remember that it’s just a precautionary measure. By staying informed, having a plan, and being ready to take action, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe during severe weather events.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?
A tornado watch is issued when atmospheric conditions are right for tornadoes to develop, while a tornado warning is issued when a tornado has actually been spotted or indicated by radar in the area.
2. How long does a tornado watch typically last?
Tornado watches can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the weather conditions.
3. What should I do if I’m driving during a tornado watch?
If you’re driving during a tornado watch, pay attention to weather updates and be prepared to take shelter if necessary. If you see a tornado, try to pull over to a safe location like a rest area or gas station.
4. Can a tornado watch be upgraded to a tornado warning?
Yes, a tornado watch can be upgraded to a tornado warning if severe weather is imminent.
5. What should I do if I don’t have a safe place to go during a tornado warning?
If you don’t have a safe place to go during a tornado warning, try to find a sturdy building nearby and seek shelter in the lowest possible level (like a basement or interior room) until the warning has passed.
