Omaha, Nebraska – As spring storm systems strengthen across the United States, emergency officials are urging Nebraska residents to review tornado safety plans now as severe weather threats increase across the central Plains.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), tornado activity typically rises during the spring months when warm, moisture-rich air from the Gulf of Mexico collides with colder air moving across the Plains. Nebraska sits in one of the most active severe weather regions in the country and experiences dozens of tornadoes each year, particularly from late spring through early summer.
Cities including Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Kearney and North Platte can all experience tornado-producing thunderstorms when powerful storm systems move across the Plains. Tornadoes in Nebraska often develop within rotating supercell thunderstorms, which are capable of producing very large hail, destructive winds and strong tornadoes.
NOAA recommends residents identify a safe shelter location inside homes, workplaces or schools before storms develop. The safest place during a tornado is a basement or underground storm shelter, where individuals should move immediately once a tornado warning is issued.
If a basement is not available, experts recommend sheltering in a small interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, such as a bathroom, hallway or closet with no windows. Residents should stay away from windows, exterior walls and large open rooms, which can be more vulnerable during intense winds.
Mobile homes and vehicles are especially dangerous during tornadoes. Anyone in those locations should move to a nearby sturdy building or designated storm shelter well before severe weather arrives.
Officials also stress having multiple ways to receive warnings, including Wireless Emergency Alerts on smartphones, NOAA Weather Radio and local television or radio broadcasts.
Preparing ahead of time can save lives. As spring severe weather patterns continue developing across the Plains, NOAA encourages Nebraska residents to stay weather aware and review tornado safety plans before the next round of storms approaches.
