Weather

Weather SEVERE Weather

“Being in the central U.S., Kansas has a wide variety of fast-changing weather brought in by the fresh breezes of the Plains. On average in Wichita, one can expect around 15 inches of snow, 10 days above 100 degrees, and almost 35 inches of rain per year. Ranchers burning the Flint Hills, which are northeast of town, create a spectacular scene at night during the spring.

Kansas is also widely known for its severe weather and tornadoes. On average, the state of Kansas sees just under 100 tornadoes per year and hundreds of severe storms. The peak months for severe weather are April, May and June in Wichita. As a result, weather knowledge and safety are very important. No matter where you live, make sure you go to ready.gov for the latest information on weather safety kits and protecting you and your family.

As much as severe weather is a significant threat, would you have guessed that flooding is the number-one killer? If you approach a flooded road, remember that it only takes a foot or two of rushing water to float most vehicles. Instead, turn around, don’t drown.”

IN KANSAS

KEN COOK Meteorologist in Charge National Weather Service

T rnado

PREPARATION

TORNADOES ARE VIOLENT; THEY CAN COMPLETELY DESTROY WELL-MADE STRUCTURES, UPROOT TREES AND HURL OBJECTS THROUGH THE AIR LIKE DEADLY MISSILES.

Not only were there no tornadoes in 2020, there were no tornado watches issued by the Wichita office. To put the sleepy 2020 in perspective, Kansas has averaged 94 tornadoes a year over the past decade and 89 over the past 30 years. The Sunflower State hadn’t logged such a low tornado total since 14 in 1976 and 16 in 1977.

PREPARE IN ADVANCE

▸ Assemble an emergency preparedness kit, including medications, medical supplies, food (remember the pets food too) and water ▸ Talk about tornadoes with your family so that everyone knows where to go when a warning is issued ▸ Check your workplace and schools/ daycares to learn about their tornado emergency plans ▸ Stay informed about your community’s risk and response plans ▸ Ensure each family member knows how to get back in touch if you are separated during an emergency ▸ Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a storm

RIGHT BEFORE A TORNADO

▸ Listen to the radio or watch local news channels ▸ Move to an underground shelter, basement or safe room. If none are available, a small windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level is the safest alternative ▸ Familiarize yourself with the local emergency shelter and how to get there

American Red Cross of South Central and Southeast Kansas, 707 N. Main, 316-219-4000

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!

▸ A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible. ▸ A tornado WARNING means a tornado is already occurring or will occur soon. GO TO YOUR SAFE

PLACE IMMEDIATELY.

*source: redcross.org