Pottawattamie County Recognizes Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 23–27

Pottawattamie County EMA with Board of Supervisors and Severe Weather Awareness Week Proclamation

Posted March 23, 2026
Posted by Emergency Management and Public Relations

The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed March 23–27, 2026, as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Pottawattamie County, encouraging residents to prepare for severe weather threats that can impact communities across Iowa.

Severe weather events such as tornadoes, lightning, flooding, hail, and damaging winds can pose serious risks to lives, property, and infrastructure. Severe Weather Awareness Week serves as a reminder that preparedness and timely action can significantly reduce the impacts of these events.

The initiative is promoted locally by the Pottawattamie County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) in partnership with the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) and the National Weather Service (NWS). Throughout the week, these agencies share information and resources to help individuals, families, schools, and businesses better understand severe weather risks and how to respond safely.

Each day of the week focuses on a specific safety topic:

Monday, March 23: Lightning Safety

Tuesday, March 24: Tornado Safety

Wednesday, March 25: Preparedness

Thursday, March 26: Hail & Wind Safety

Friday, March 27: Flood Safety

A key event during the week is the statewide tornado drill scheduled for Tuesday, March 25 at 10 a.m. Outdoor warning sirens will sound across the county, and residents, schools, and businesses are encouraged to use the opportunity to practice their emergency shelter plans.

Residents are also encouraged to take additional preparedness steps, including: