Severe Weather Awareness Week for Living in Des Moines Kicks Off on March 27th

Depending on where you previously called home, living in Des Moines may present you with some new weather-related challenges. Even if you have lived in Des Moines all your life, and are simply moving to a new zip code, it never hurts to learn as much as possible about potential severe weather in the area. 

Whether you have chosen to make your home at our community at Springs at Jordan Creek in West Des Moines or at Springs at Waukee in Waukee, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to stay safe during any severe Des Moines weather situations we might encounter this spring. The National Weather Service (NWS) continually monitors weather patterns across the country to help make sure residents in every corner of the U.S.  The NWS sponsors our state's Severe Weather Awareness Week in Des Moines from March 27-31 to serve as a means for Iowans to prepare for any type of inclement weather that may roll through Des Moines. 

What Do You Need to Know About Spring Des Moines Weather? 

We thought you might find it helpful to have easy access to some basic information about Spring weather in Des Moines. While the area features relatively common Midwestern temperature ranges for the month of April, with the highs in the mid-50s to mid-60s and lows in the mid-30s to mid-40s, there is much more to it all. Along with regular storms that cross the U.S. heartland, Iowa experiences several tornadoes each spring. The state weathered 58 tornadoes in 2015 and 43 tornadoes in 2016, so it is vital that we all find the best ways to prepare for such a severe weather event. 

Stay Tuned on March 29th for the Statewide Tornado Drill 

Due to the high rate of tornadoes in Iowa, NWS and Iowa join forces to perform a statewide tornado drill to help local business owners, school administrators, and anyone else where people may find themselves—including those at home—during a tornado. On Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at 10:30 a.m., every city in the Des Moines County will set off their respective alarm sirens and break into local television and radio broadcasts to alert citizens with warnings about the drill. 

What Can You Do to Stay Safe at Home During Severe Des Moines Weather Events? 

We want to keep all of our community members safe and sound, no matter what rumbles and rolls across the Des Moines sky, so we have come up with some of our favorite safety tips that we hope you might follow in case of a weather emergency: 

• Build a Disaster Supply Kit. Prepare for a lengthy stay in the basement by building a kit filled with essentials, such as a flashlight, a battery-operated radio, and a first-aid kit. Also, make sure you stow plenty of bottled water and non-perishable food items to keep everyone hydrated and nourished. 
• Stay Alert to the Signs of an Incoming Tornado. Whether you are watching television and see the severe weather alerts, or you notice an ominously quiet and darkening sky, it is important to closely monitor the situation until watches or warnings have passed. Since these dangerous storms can sneak up without much warning, it is important to stay vigilant at all times. 
• Go to Your Pre-Designated Safety Area. When it becomes clear that a tornado touchdown is possible, or even likely, go immediately to your safety area. 

Talk to Us About Your Safety During Severe Weather in Des Moines

We hope that you will reach out to us to learn more about staying safe during various weather events in Des Moines. Our team knows the area and how to stay safe here in the toughest conditions, and we want to help you do the same.