7 Things Iowans Do During Storms That We Definitely Shouldn’t

If you grew up in Iowa or the Midwest, chances are you learned storm safety and storm curiosity at exactly the same time. Round here, severe weather has always been part of life. Yet somehow, despite years of warnings from about everyone, a lot of us still react to dangerous weather the same way: by stepping outside to “take a quick look.”

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Trust me, I get it. I grew up on a hill near Anamosa where you could see storms rolling across the corn and soybean fields for miles. Some of my earliest childhood memories involve standing on the porch watching green skies turn to funnel clouds in the distance. Of course, all of this was happening while my mom yelled for everyone to get to the basement; which for my family also meant going outside to get in the underground cellar! Looking back, it was equal parts terrifying and extremely fascinating.

But as recent tornado outbreaks and flooding across Iowa show, severe storms are not to be messed with. Here's a list of things many of us do during severe weather, even though we shouldn't.

Standing Outside or Watching From the Porch

This is easily the most Iowa thing on the list. The sirens go off and instead of heading to the basement or a safe room, half the neighborhood wanders outside. There is always at least one guy standing in the driveway with crossed arms saying, “I think it’s heading north.” By the way, I'm guilty on all accounts here. In fact, here's a photo that my sister recently took of the tornado in Onslow.

The problem is tornadoes can shift quickly, rain can hide them, and flying debris is deadly way before the funnel cloud arrives. Weather experts recommend getting to a basement or interior room immediately during a tornado warning. The porch makes a terrible storm shelter.

Sheltering Under a Tree During Lightning

As a hiker I find myself out in the elements on occasion. I remember getting completely drenched during a hike in the smoky mountains that brought on lightning and a torrential downpour quickly. A lot of people in those circumstances run for the nearest tree. Unfortunately, trees are one of the most dangerous places to stand during lightning.

Lightning can strike taller isolated objects, and when it hits a tree, electrical current can spread through the ground. In fact, two of the three trees in my backyard have been struck by lighting. It's easy to see where the current flowed and how much damage it can cause. Even standing several feet away can put you at risk.

Driving Through Flooded Roads

Iowa flooding can get bad fast, especially during heavy rains. In my youth, my mother once tried to drive a vehicle through a flooded gravel roadway. The water was too high and when the engine gave out, water rushed up the exhaust, effectively killing the vehicle in its tracks. In this case the road was simply covered in water, but what if there had been a current?

Every year people try driving through water-covered roads thinking, “It’s probably shallow enough.” Sometimes it is. Other times the road underneath has completely washed out, and sometimes your tire finds the hole where a manhole cover should be.

Food for thought, two feet of moving water can carry away a vehicle. Floodwaters can also hide debris, downed power lines, and damaged pavement. There's a reason the National Weather Service repeats “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” every single year.

Taking a Shower During a Thunderstorm

Most of us assume that once we're indoors, we are completely safe. However, experts actually recommend avoiding showers, baths, and even washing dishes during thunderstorms. Here's why: lightning can travel through plumbing systems and water lines if a home is struck. Even homes with plastic pipes are not completely risk-free because the water itself can conduct electricity. Is it super common? No. Is it worth getting zapped to shampoo your hair? Also no.

This one surprises a lot of people, but I know it to be true from experience. When I was a young boy, I remember vividly preparing to shower as a storm pushed into the area. From my understanding, our well or water line was struck by lightning which caused sparks to literally shower down into the tub. It's a core memory I'll never forget because of how terrified I was. To this day, I still make sure to tell everyone in my house to skip the shower if it's storming out. Now, I'll skip the dishes too.

Staying in a Mobile Home During Tornado Warnings

This one is serious, and you'd think it was a no-brainer. Manufactured homes and trailers are extremely vulnerable during tornadoes and severe straight-line winds. Can you say derecho? Even weaker tornadoes can destroy them quickly. If you live in a mobile home, it is critical to have a plan ahead of time for where you will go during warnings. Waiting until the tornado is visible is often too late.

Charging Phones or Using Plugged-In Electronics During Storms

Most of us have sat near or held our charging phones while watching radar during a thunderstorm. While being indoors is safer, plugged-in electronics still pose a risk during lightning storms. Read that again.

If lightning strikes your electrical system and you happen to be playing a game, working on a computer, or holding that charging phone, then you, my friend, are actually connected to the power grid. Experts recommend avoiding corded electronics and not using devices while they are actively charging during severe lightning. Battery power is your friend during storms.

Going Back Outside Too Early

The rain stops, the birds come back out, and suddenly everybody thinks the storm is over. However, lightning can strike miles away from the main storm, and additional storm cells often follow behind the first wave. Emergency officials recommend waiting at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming any outdoor activities or beginning clean-up. Just because the sky looks brighter does not mean the danger is gone.

Listen, I get it, storm watching and storytelling are basically part of Iowa culture. Most of us probably have at least one tornado memory involving our front porch and a "way too close" call. Storms can be unpredictable, so respecting their power is a good way to keep yourself six feet above ground. Maybe next time the sirens go off, we leave the porch empty.