Severe Weather Awareness Week is scheduled for March 25-29, 2019 as a precursor to the spring season’s risk for severe weather. This week provides an opportunity to increase awareness of, and response to, severe weather hazards. Specific topics which will be addressed during this week include flash floods, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, weather warnings, and family preparedness.
A statewide tornado drill will occur Wednesday, March 27 from at 10 a.m. A test will also be issued through the National Weather Service Facebook and Twitter pages. People are encouraged to practice any actions that would be taken in the event of a real tornado.
If severe weather occurs on the day of the drill, it will be moved to Thursday, Mar. 28.
There is sometimes confusion between a Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning. The information below provides the difference.
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Be Prepared! Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action! Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Take shelter in a substantial building. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a large hail or damaging wind identified by an NWS forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.
Daily topics for the week of March 25-29 include:
Visit the National Weather Service for more safety information.