After the February that we all endured, it seems that the general consensus is that just about everyone is ready for spring. With spring in Kansas, however, comes thunderstorms and the threat of severe weather. Because of this, each year the National Weather Service, in collaboration with state and local emergency management officials, hosts Severe Weather Preparedness Week. Dates for the 2021 Severe Weather Preparedness Week will be March 1-5.
Kansas State University participates in this event as an opportunity to both test our on-campus alert systems and to provide weather safety and education information to students, faculty and staff. Each day of the week will have a different theme, which will be expanded upon through this safety blog. Please take the time to think through and prepare your plan and learn a little about the fascinating weather we experience here in Kansas.
Monday, March 1 — Severe Weather Preparedness
What would you do in the case of severe weather? Do you have multiple ways to receive warnings and alerts? Do you know where you would go to take shelter? Where do you get your forecast information? Now is the time to prepare for storms.
Tuesday, March 2 — Tornado Safety
Tornadoes are perhaps the most extreme example of severe weather that we encounter here in Kansas. 2020 proved to be a historically slow year for tornadoes across the state, but historically Kansas sees on average almost 100 tornadoes every year.
Wednesday, March 3 — Lightning Safety
Did you know that lightning strikes the United State approximately 25 million times per year? And that, on average, 47 people are killed each year by lightning strikes? Taking lightning seriously as a threat, and knowing how to avoid potential lightning exposure, is an important part of severe weather preparedness.
Thursday, March 4 — Hail and Wind Safety
Though perhaps not as immediately impressive as tornadoes, hail and wind from severe thunderstorms can pose significant threats to both personal safety and property. A long-lived severe wind event called a derecho impacted Iowa and other parts of the Midwest on Aug. 10, 2020. The result was four deaths and approximately $7.5 billion in damage.
Friday, March 5 — Flood Safety
Floods kill more people in the United States each year than any other severe weather related hazard. Kansas is no stranger to significant flooding, with both short-term flash floods and long-term river flooding regularly taking place during the spring and summer months.