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How to get severe weather alerts from Local 5

You keep hearing all about a severe weather threat. But how do you stay informed?
Credit: WOI

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — When you hear Local 5's weather team talk about an upcoming severe weather threat, it can get a bit overwhelming.

So how can you stay informed, especially when watches and warnings are issued? 

Here's five ways you can be "in-the-know":

1. Download the WeAreIowa App

Be sure to download the all-new WeAreIowa app for the most up-to-date weather information! 

You can do that right here.

You can also find our app by visiting the App Store or Google Play Store.

Credit: WOI

Inside the app, you'll be able to find interactive radar, video forecasts, and hour-by-hour planners. You'll also be able to sign for customized weather alerts: all tailored to your exact zip code! 

2. Visit the "Weather" tab on WeAreIowa.com

This is a great resource that you can bookmark on your laptop or on your phone's internet browser! 

Here you'll also find the latest on interactive radar, watches and warnings, and even any weather-related closings or delays that may be occurring. 

Credit: WOI

3. Follow Local 5's Weather Team on Social Media

Be sure to check out Local 5's Weather Team on Facebook and Twitter. Our team posts information regularly about any severe weather threats. You can find their pages here.

FACEBOOK:

Chief Meteorologist Brad Edwards. 471 likes · 106 talking about this. Brad is a homegrown meteorologist who was born in Des Moines, grew up in Earlham and earned his degree from Iowa State...
It's Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa. There would usually be a statewide tornado drill today, but that has been cancelled due to the coronavirus. Here are the timing stats for Iowa tornadoes since records began in 1950. Tornadoes can occur any time of the day and any time of the year.
It's Severe Weather Awareness Week here in Iowa! Wednesday is all about tornadoes. Most people think they know some basics about these violent storms, but they're often not totally accurate.

TWITTER:

The latest Tweets from Brad Edwards (@BradEdwardsABC5). Local 5 Chief Meteorologist, Des Moines. Des Moines, Iowa
The latest Tweets from Taylor Kanost (@WxKanost). Prognosticator of precipitation. AMS Certified Morning Meteorologist for @Weareiowa5news in Des Moines, IA. Thoughts my own. RTs ≠ endorsements. Des Moines, IA
The latest Tweets from Brandon Lawrence (@brandonlaw_wx). @weareiowa5news certified meteorologist ⛈️, @msstate grad #HailState🐶, lover of food, flying, & football, retweets ≠ endorsements, opinions are my own. Des Moines, IA

4. Follow your local National Weather Service Office.

The National Weather Service is the government agency responsible for issuing watches and warnings during severe weather. 

You can follow the National Weather Service in Des Moines or search for them on Facebook and Twitter, too. 

5. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio and keep it on at your home.

You can purchase a NOAA weather radio at any local hardware store or local pharmacy. This will automatically sound when watches or warnings are issued in your area. 

To learn more about obtaining a NOAA weather radio, follow this link.

By taking one or more of these steps, you'll be able to stay fully informed on any upcoming severe weather threats. 

RELATED: Tornadoes in Iowa: Debunking the myths behind twisters

RELATED: What makes a thunderstorm 'severe?'

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