Weather warnings and watches may be issued as storms form and move into the area. This week is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Iowa. Washington County Emergency Management Coordinator Marissa Reisen explains the difference between a watch and a warning, “So a watch means that conditions are right for severe thunderstorms to occur. A warning means it is happening, or it is going to happen.” Any time a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued for Washington County, KCII will stop normal programming and bring you up to the minute coverage of the storm until it is cancelled by the National Weather Service. Also, by downloading the KCII app onto your smartphone or mobile device, you will receive notifications and a link to listen to our live coverage when severe weather warnings have been issued for Washington County.

Reisen also encourages people to sign up for Alert Iowa text message notifications for inclement weather. By registering for the state program, you can notify local officials if you would be in need of additional assistance in the event of an emergency, whether that be limited mobility, the need of electricity for medical equipment, or vision or hearing impairments.

Reisen encourages people to monitor the day’s weather forecast to stay safe and have a plan in case of an emergency.