With all the wintry weather we’ve had the last three months, it may be hard to believe severe weather season is officially upon us.
Severe Weather Awareness Week starts Monday in Kansas, and while there will be different focal points through the week, the underlying theme is readiness — especially when it comes to tornadoes. National Weather Service meteorologist John Woynick, a recent KVOE Newsmaker guest, says you have to set a plan and you have to practice the plan.
The daily focal points:
*Monday: General storm preparedness
*Tuesday: Tornadoes
*Wednesday: Lightning
*Thursday: Hail and wind
*Friday: Flooding
Woynick said it’s important to have several sources of severe weather information like local media, wireless alerts and a severe weather radio as part of the lineup.
The annual statewide tornado drill is Tuesday afternoon, but Lyon County is not taking part in that activity. Instead, it will conduct its normal siren test at noon Monday.
Meanwhile, spotter training sessions have started for the area. Lyon County’s session won’t take place until March 23 at the Emporia State Memorial Union Webb Hall. Other area training session information is online at KVOE.com. Additional severe weather information is available at www.weather.gov/top and www.weather.gov/ict.
As has been the case for years, KVOE will provide complete, multifaceted coverage whenever severe weather is threatening or imminent, including on-air coverage, online coverage through KVOE.com and instant alerts through KVOE’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. Our coverage will also be enhanced by a 40-member volunteer Storm Team spotter network with members in Lyon and all surrounding counties.
