Severe Weather Awareness Week is being observed this week. Larry Smith, Washington and Keokuk County Emergency Management Coordinator says during this week, it’s advised that you think about family preparedness and what you would do during severe weather. He shares for severe thunderstorm watches and warnings to be issued, “Those criteria there are heavy rains and wind over 58 miles per hour.” He advises every thunderstorm also has lightning, so seek shelter. Iowa had two lightning deaths in 2015.

A statewide tornado drill will be issued Wednesday at 10 a.m. Smith says whether you’re a work, home or school it’s good to practice where to go for safety. Listen to KCII during the tornado drill for more information about severe weather and how we will bring live coverage of severe storms in Washington County with trained weather spotters on staff and back up generators so we’ll always be on the air.