As we turn the corner into spring, the weather will become more volatile.
The observation of Severe Weather Preparedness Week is underway, and Marshall County EMA Director Clyde Avery says it’s a time to alert the public about the hazards of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Meteorologists will be using terms like severe thunderstorm watch, and severe thunderstorm warning and Avery says it’s important that residents know the difference.
“Watches indicate that conditions are favorable for severe weather and that people should keep an eye to the sky. They should monitor local news media outlets that provide information regarding severe weather. A warning means that severe weather is imminent or is actually occurring, and residents need to take some sort of safety action,” explained Avery.
Now is the perfect time to update or assemble an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan.
The National Weather Service will conduct two statewide tests of communications systems on Thursday, March 19 between 10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and from 7:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. ET. The drill will be initiated by a test tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service.
For more information on severe weather, including tornadoes, visit the National Weather Service website at www.stormready.noaa.gov.
