Extreme winter weather can quickly turn to extreme spring weather in our area of the state. The agency would like to remind everyone about tornado and severe weather preparedness and the safest areas in each of our AEA 267 buildings.
Keep in mind that even though the weather may be calm at the time of a tornado watch or severe thunderstorm watch, conditions can rapidly deteriorate and become life threatening. Always heed warnings even if warnings issued for our area in the past did not result in severe weather. It is best to go to the shelter as early as possible. During the recent Wayne, Nebraska tornados it was reported that some residents waited too long and were not able open doors to their shelter areas due to the suction created by the tornado. You must leave and go to the designated shelter areas.
Tornado facts:
- Iowa averages 47 tornados per year
- On average we have 40-50 days when thunderstorms are in our area.
- The average tornado moves from southwest to northeast.
- Tornadoes are most likely to occur between the hours of 3 pm and 9 pm, but have been known to occur at all hours of the day and night.
- Tornadoes strike quickly with little or no warning.
- Before a tornado strikes the winds will die down and the air may become very still.
- A cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if the funnel is not visible.
- Tornados can be rain wrapped and not visible until they are on you.
- It is not uncommon to see clear sunlit skies behind a tornado.
- Skies often have a greenish tint to them prior to tornado development.
During a Tornado Warning
Implement the “drop and tuck” procedure:
- Face an interior wall.
- Drop to your knees and roll forward to the balls of your feet.
- If physically unable to drop to your knees, sit on the floor.
- Tuck your head down and place your hands on top of your head.
- Do NOT lie flat on the ground.
In preparation for the unfortunate event of a tornado or severe weather, please be familiar with the tornado safe areas in each AEA office and the schools that you serve. Want more information? Consult the AEA 267 Emergency Procedures Manual on the staff website (use your email username and password to access).