Although tornadoes get the most attention, flash flooding is the No. 1 weather-related killer in the United States. In Nebraska, we haven't had a fatality from a tornado in more than 10 years, we have had several fatalities from flooding. The power of water is awesome, so be careful when driving over water-covered roads. Tornado activity was minimal in Nebraska in 2000, with 61 funnels reported. That wasn't the case in 1999, when 102 tornadoes were reported in the state, the most reported in one year in our history.
Most tornadoes occur in late afternoon or early evening.
Stay tuned to the media when watches or warnings have been issued. NOAA weather radio is an ideal item for your home. It will wake you at night, when your tv or radio is off, if threatening weather is imminent. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away.