Severe Weather Awareness Week is in full swing across the Palmetto state, and each day is dedicated to a facet of hazardous weather.
The seven-day campaign, which began on Sunday, aims to inform the public about weather events, like severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flash floods, that frequently threaten our area. The organizers of the campaign-- local National Weather Service (NWS) office officials, and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division-- hope that through this education and outreach, the public will become better equipped to protect their lives and property in the event of severe weather.
SC Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week Day 1: Tornadoes, large hail, gusty winds, flooding, and lightning are all hazards associated with thunderstorms. Severe weather has been reported in all 50 states, so no matter where you are, make sure you are prepared! @SCEMD #SCWx #CAEWx pic.twitter.com/cz6sZxvFEL
— NWS Columbia (@NWSColumbia) March 6, 2022
The schedule of topics for the week is as follows:
Sunday: Types of Severe Weather
Monday: Watches and Warnings
Tuesday: Ways to Stay Connected
Wednesday: Safety During Tornadoes and High Wind Events
Thursday: Flooding: Statistics and Hazards
Friday: Flooding: Staying Safe
Saturday: Post Storm: What to do
Great sources for information this week include social media pages of South Carolina NWS offices and South Carolina Emergency Management Offices. Some include: @NWSColumbia, @NWSGSP, @NWSCharlestonSC, @NWSWilmingtonNC, and @SCMED.
In addition, a statewide tornado drill will be held on Wednesday, March 9 at 9 AM. During this time, a test warning will be broadcasted over all NOAA Weather Radios. Schools, homes, and businesses are encouraged to participate by enacting their safety plan-- sheltering in the interior most part of a sturdy building, away from windows-- should a tornado threaten their area.
This week serves as a reminder that hazardous weather could occur in our area at any time. Although we can't prevent disaster from striking, we can prepare for it. In addition to educating ourselves on the dangerous that storms pose, we can develop shelter-in-place and evacuation plans for our families. For more tips on how to prepare, visit https://scemd.org/prepare/your-emergency-plan/