Local Hazards

Severe Thunderstorms

On average, there are from 40 to 50 days each year that we deal with thunderstorms in Dickinson County. Some of these turn severe, containing winds over 57 miles per hour and/or hail that is one inch in size or larger. Whether severe or not, all thunderstorms contain lightning and that is very dangerous, just by itself. In July of 2010, extremely strong winds struck portions of Dickinson County. A wind gust to 96 miles per hour was recorded west of Spirit Lake.

For more on thunderstorms: Learn how they work

Tornadoes

A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground. Each year, several tornadoes touch down in Iowa, most are weak EF0 or EF1 and produce minor damage to trees and structures. Occasionally, we see devastating EF5 tornadoes, producing winds over 200 miles per hour. Tornadoes this size can obliterate homes, just as we saw in 2008 in Parkersburg, Iowa.

For more on tornadoes: Learn how they work

Floods & Flash Floods

Flooding occurs regularly in Dickinson County, especially along the Little Sioux River. Flooding, here, is usually contained to surrounding fields and pastures. Occasionally, the river will rise to the point of closing a few local gravel roads.

Occasionally, periods of heavy rains can cause street flooding in our area. Rain falls so fast that storm drains can't keep up and the street floods. Never attempt to drive through a flooded street.

For more on floods: Learn how they work

Winter Weather

Residents of northwest Iowa know that the winter months can be long, cold and snowy. Winter storms can be fierce with high winds, heavy snow, and bitterly cold wind chills. Being prepared for these storms is critical. Winter storms can rage for several hours or even for days, and it could be many hours or days before roads can be reopened or power restored. You should be prepared to spend, at a minimum, 72 hours on your own.

For more on winter storms: Learn how they work

Terrorism

Terrorism is the use of force or violence against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion, or ransom. Terrorists often use threats to:

• Create fear among the public.
• Try to convince citizens that their government is powerless to prevent terrorism.
• Get immediate publicity for their causes

Acts of terrorism include threats of terrorism; assassinations; kidnappings; hijackings; bomb scares and bombings; cyber attacks; and the use of chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological weapons.