Severe Weather Awareness Week Underway

Governor Asa Hutchinson has designated this week as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Arkansas.

Severe weather can occur any time of the year but the peak period for seeing severe thunderstorms is during the months of March, April and May.

On average, 33 tornadoes are reported in Arkansas each year.

In addition to tornadoes, Arkansas experiences severe weather from thunderstorms producing straight line winds that can be as strong as some of the weaker tornadoes. Lightning, hail and flash flooding are other dangers associated with thunderstorms.

The National Weather Service is using this week to make citizens aware that severe weather can occur at anytime of the day as was the case earlier this week with the tornado that happened in Tennessee during the overnight hours.

Residents should understand the difference between a watch and warning and know where they would go if a tornado warning is issued. Individuals are also encouraged to have multiple sources for receiving severe weather alerts.