What you should know in case of severe weather

If you don't like the weather in Nebraska, wait. It'll change in a few minutes.

From wildfires and derechos to blizzards and tornadoes, the weather in Nebraska can change quickly. Being prepared for impending storms is key.

Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Week is recognized from March 27 to 31. A statewide tornado drill was scheduled for 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 30, depending on weather conditions.

A National Weather Service spokesperson said, "We encourage everyone to take time to review and practice a severe weather plan for home or office. If you don't have a plan, this is a great time to consider developing one and sharing it with others."

Begin by putting together a basic supply kit with food, water, blankets and a flashlight. Having a kit available will ease response time to look for items during a storm.

It's important to know terminology associated with storm systems.

Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center hours ahead of an actual storm and, typically, are large, covering multiple counties and states.

If a watch is issued, check forecast updates, monitor the sky and know where to take shelter.

In case of a warning, it is imperative to take action immediately.

Warnings, issued by the local NWS office, mean sever weather in the area is imminent and to take shelter. A warning typically covers a few counties and adjusts as the storm system moves through the area.

During a warning, check the forecast for updates often since conditions may change quickly.

What categorizes a thunderstorm as severe? Generally, it includes quarter-size hail, one inch or larger and winds of 58 miles per hour or higher. A severe thunderstorm may also produce a tornado.

Flash flood warnings are issued when water rises rapidly with little to no advanced warning, usually from heavy rainfall in a short time period.

A flash flood warning may also be issued if a dam or levee fails or from ice jams on rivers.

What's the difference between a funnel and tornado?

Funnel clouds are assiciated with a "violently rotating column of air," according to the NWS. It gets its name from the funnel-shaped appendage that extends from a cloud.

Funnel clouds do not make contact with the ground.

Conversely, tornadoes do make contact with the ground and are comprised of a violently rotating column of air.

In 2022, 26 tornadoes spawned across the state, down from the 30-year average of 49. Those storms resulted in two injuries. No deaths were reported.

The strongest storm was an EF-2, with winds between 111 and 135 miles per hour, in York County on June 14. The first tornado of the year hit April 17 in Seward County.

The NWS encourages the public to send severe weather reports via social media on Twitter or Facebook.