This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week.
The week is set aside to educate the public about the dangers of lightning, tornadoes, and floods, as well as the importance of preparedness. Wednesday is the statewide tornado drill, beginning at 10am.
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley Warning Coordination Meteorologist Brian Smith says it’s a good time to practice what to do when severe weather hits.
“People during the drill should practice where they should go in case of a real warning or tornado event, and even if they don’t physically go to that location, just go over what they would do if there was a warning. And we encourage families to practice that too, what they would do if there was a real warning, where would they go for safety.”
Last year, Nebraska recorded its first-ever February tornado when one touched down near North Platte. An April 2012 tornado devastated Thurman, Iowa, causing minor injuries.
More information on Severe Weather Awareness Week is available at www.crh.noaa.gov/oax.