Twister Tales: Balancing Nostalgia And Safety Is Iowa’s Tornado Tradition

Ah, Iowa! Land of rolling cornfields, friendly neighbors, and, of course, the time-honored tradition of watching tornadoes from the porch. We Iowans have an uncanny knack for spotting a funnel cloud and grabbing a lawn chair instead of taking cover. Trust me, been there done that. But while there’s something oddly charming about the image of a Midwesterner casually observing a twister with a cup of coffee in hand, it’s high time we updated our tornado protocols. Let’s blend a bit of humor with some serious advice to ensure that your storm-watching days are a tad safer and a little less newsworthy.

The Porch Tradition: How I Grew Up

Picture this: the sky turns that eerie shade of green, the wind picks up, and suddenly, everyone’s out on their porches, pointing and squinting at the horizon. It’s practically a rite of passage here. In fact, I remember watching tornadoes and funnel clouds move across the sky where I grew up: that being on a fairly high and windy hill near Anamosa, Iowa. Trust me, those valley tornado views are engrained in my memory. Tornados truly do sound like freight trains as the churn along the ground. But while my mom yelling at me to drop the cellar door and get to cover was entertaining (at least I thought at the time), it’s definitely not the safest approach for an 8-year-old that just had to grab a peek.

Tips For When Tornado Season Gets Real

When the Town Siren Blows or Your Phone Alerts, What's Your Safest Option?

• Best: Head to your storm shelter or safe room.
• Good: Find a basement or an interior room.
• Bad: Avoid large open rooms or manufactured housing.
• Worst: Steer clear of sheltering in mobile homes and vehicles.

Recognizing Tornado Danger Signs:

• Debris Clouds: Even if the funnel isn’t visible, a cloud of debris can signal an approaching tornado. My family and I actually drove through a tornado's debris cloud on our way to Colorado this past June. It was intense and spooky: would not recommend.
• Trailing Edge: Tornadoes often occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. Clear skies behind a storm? Don’t be fooled; it might just be the perfect backdrop for a sneaky twister.
• Rain-Wrapped Tornadoes: Especially common in supercell thunderstorms, these can hide behind heavy rain and catch you off guard.

How Should I Prepare for a Tornado?

• Drills: Conduct tornado drills each season. Make sure children know what to do with themselves, as well as pets, if possible.
• Shelter Plans: Designate a shelter area in your home and practice getting there. The basement, storm cellar, or lowest level of your building is ideal.
• Watch vs. Warning: Make sure everyone knows the difference. A watch means conditions are ripe; a warning means it’s happening now!
• Supplies: Keep disaster supplies on hand. Think water, food, first aid, and a weather radio. Make sure to have blankets and shoes as well, in case the worst should happen.
• Communication Plan: Develop a family emergency communication plan. Create an emergency contact list, and store a charged backup battery bank for cell phones with charging cable.

A Tornado Has Been Spotted, Now What?

• Inside:
  • Move to your pre-designated shelter.
  • Get under sturdy furniture if possible.
  • Stay away from windows (watching from the porch is a big no-no here).
• Outside:
  • If possible, seek shelter in a basement or sturdy building.
  • If you’re stuck in the open, get into a vehicle, buckle up, and drive to safety. If debris starts flying, pull over and decide:
    • Stay in the car with your seatbelt on and head down.
    • Or, lie in a low area or ditch, while covering your head.

After the Tornado:

• Help Others: Assist injured or trapped persons and provide first aid.
• Stay Informed: Turn on the radio or TV for updates or additional storm cells following through.
• Emergency Calls Only: Use the phone for emergencies.
• Document Damage: Take pictures for insurance purposes.
• Clean Up Safely: Clean up hazardous spills and leave buildings if you smell gas or chemicals.
• Inspect Utilities: Check for gas leaks, electrical damage, and water/sewage line damage.

So, next time the sky turns ominous, and you feel the urge to grab a chair and head to the porch, remember these tips. Tornado-watching might be an Iowa pastime, but safety should always come first. And with the devastation we've seen across Iowa recently, I'd rather be safe then sorry.

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