Severe weather preparedness week starts March 6 - News-Leader

Wind gusts shook the windows enough force earlier this week that you may be thinking of weather. Well, Severe Weather Preparedness week starts March 6.

To encourage Missourians to learn more about severe weather and how to protect themselves, the National Weather Service, State Emergency Management Agency and local emergency managers will observe Severe Weather Preparedness Week March 6-10.

Cory Rothstein, meteorologist with the National Weather Service, told the News-Leader in a previous story that Springfield broke or tied 22 daily weather records in 2022 — ranging from rainfall to freezing fall temperatures.

More:2022 was a wild year for weather. Here are 22 daily weather records set in Springfield.

The year-end data puts Springfield annual rainfall total almost right at normal with 43.26 inches of precipitation, slightly below the average of 44.71 inches and well below the 1990 record of 63 inches of rain.

As far as snowfall, Springfield was well above average with 20.9 inches, when normal is 13.7.

In 2022, Springfield recorded triple-digit temperatures for the first time since 2014. There were eight days last year where temperatures rose above 100 degrees, including six in a row from July 19 to July 24.

"Flooding — particularly flash flooding — is the deadliest severe weather hazard in Missouri and can happen year-round," said SEMA Director Jim Remillard via news release. "Tornadoes and severe storms also pose deadly threats each year, which is why it's so important to prepare. It's best to learn about the risks and have an emergency plan in place before severe weather strikes."

Tornado damage footage: Homes devastated in Jefferson City

Damage on Capitol Avenue near Lafayette Street in Jefferson City, Missouri, following a tornado that hit late Wednesday, May 22, 2019.

Nathan Papes/Springfield News-Leader, News-Leader

The statewide annual tornado drill will be 10 a.m. March 7; however, some communities may conduct the drill on a different day due to conflicting local events. Weather radios that receive Routine Weekly Tests, or RWTs, will alert listeners that the drill has begun, according to a news release from SEMA.

"Outdoor warning sirens will also sound across participating Missouri communities," the news release stated. "At that time, participants should practice taking cover in their designated shelter."

Everyone — schools, businesses and families — are encouraged to participate in the drill, SEMA stated.

The National Weather Service will share safety tips and educational info regarding tornadoes, flash flooding, lightning and more on its webpage. Each day focuses on a different safety message, including:

• Monday, March 6 – Receive Weather Information Day
• Tuesday, March 7 – Tornado Safety Day
• Wednesday, March 8 – Lightning Safety Day
• Thursday, March 9 – Hail/Wind Safety Day
• Friday, March 10 – Flood Safety Day

Important weather tips to remember

SEMA had several tips to remember and establish before disaster strikes.

Follow local forecasts any time severe weather is anticipated. Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, in case one fails or if severe weather strikes overnight.

Create a family emergency plan to stay safe, and remember to include all pets when building an emergency kit and stocking up on supplies. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is also important to know how to contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that's familiar and easy to find.

A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible in the area. Therefore, it's important to be ready to act quickly if it becomes necessary. A tornado warning means seek shelter immediately because a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar causing imminent danger to life and property.

The safest shelter location for tornadoes is generally an interior room without windows on the lowest floor of sturdy structure, preferably in the basement. Do not seek shelter in a cafeteria, gymnasium or other large open room because the roof might collapse. Immediately leave a mobile home to seek shelter in a nearby building and never seek shelter under an overpass — the dangerous wind tunnel effect combined with flying debris can be deadly.

If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you. Leave elevated areas and avoid isolated trees. Seek shelter immediately in an enclosed building or vehicle.

The safest place to be when there is high winds or hail is indoors. Avoid driving to prevent injuries or vehicle damage. Consider all downed power lines as live.

Never drive into standing water, even if it appears shallow. As little as six inches of fast-moving water can cause a car to lose control or float. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and sweep it away. Murky water can hide hazards including dangerous debris and road damage.

Other resources to check out include:

• Missouri Storm Aware has detailed videos on how to take shelter from tornadoes in specific locations, avoiding flash flooding and other information on tornado sirens and weather alert radios
• Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services encourages all Missourians to create a plan in the cast of an emergency. Learn more at www.health.mo.gov/emergencies/readyin3.

Sara Karnes is an Outdoors Reporter with the Springfield News-Leader. Follow along with her adventures on Twitter and Instagram @Sara_Karnes. Got a story to tell? Email her at skarnes@springfi.gannett.com.