"I believe over the next few months we'll see an above normal number of severe weather events. Because when you look at this year compared to past years it compares favorably with more active years."

Lupo says severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, hail and tornadoes are more of a likelihood this year. He says with the end of winter, spring and the conditions associated with it can creep on people, and therefore severe weather awareness week was important for Columbia residents.

"It's nothing to be afraid of but if we know what to do people will be safer. You want to know what your severe weather procedures are at home and at the places where you work. Where are the safe areas?"

Lupo also recommends keeping a weather radio on hand on days when the weather appears threatening.

St. Louis National Weather Service meteorologist Benjamin Sipprell says he is reluctant to make any conjectures about weather this particular spring. He says it is always important to be aware of the possibility of severe weather during the springtime.

It's always good for the public to be concerned at least for the most part aware that this is the time of the year we get into during the spring and early summer months that we see severe weather. Climatologically that has always been the case over the last hundred years.

Sipprell also warns that as this has been a year of heavy snow in the north there is a concern about flooding in the Missouri River area. © Copyright 2012, KBIA