DAVENPORT, Iowa — As the Quad Cities prepares for a big weather system with high winds and rain to blow through on Wednesday, November 11, meteorologists say don't let your guard down now that summer's over. November can be notorious for severe weather.
National Weather Service meteorologist Donna Dubberke says people aren't as weather-aware in the fall. "It's always a risk when people let their guard down," she said. She advises people not to ignore weather warnings, even if it is November. "We've got smart phones. People have cell phones. You can use that to get alerts and messaging."
On November 17, 2013, a tornado ripped through Washington, Illinois, leveling buildings and businesses and causing millions of dollars in damage. Dubberke says that happened on a Sunday, too, when people weren't expecting it. "There were numerous examples of people who were in churches who were notified on their cell phones. When people are not paying attention is when the risk goes up tremendously for injuries and fatalities," she said.