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Preparedness urged during Severe Weather Awareness Week

Nebraska's first-ever February tornado touched down in Logan County on February 28th.
image courtesy NWS North Platte
Nebraska's first-ever February tornado touched down in Logan County on February 28th.

 

This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Nebraska.

Nebraska had its first confirmed February tornado this year. The February 28th tornado touched down in Logan County, near Stapleton. The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center says there have already been 312 tornadoes in the U.S. this year, with 55 deaths.

NWS Omaha meteorologist Josh Boustead says it’s simple to prepare a kit with supplies needed during severe weather. That kit should include a flashlight and radio for use while you’re in shelter. Boustead says you should also have a NOAA weather radio that’s set to provide updates for your area.

Boustead says Severe Weather Awareness Week isn’t just about tornadoes, but also the dangers of lightning, hail, and flash flooding. He says flash flooding is the number one cause of severe weather-related deaths.

The statewide tornado drill is scheduled for Wednesday at 10am.

On the web: NWS Omaha/Valley, NE