March 3-9 is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in North Carolina. Residents are urged to participate in the annual statewide tornado drill March 6 to practice their emergency plan in case severe weather strikes.
Severe thunderstorms can develop rapidly, and can bring hail, flash floods and tornadoes. Residents should have a family emergency plan, assemble a supplies kit and stay alert by listening to local radio, television or a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) radio for information on severe weather.
A statewide tornado drill will be held tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. The National Weather Service will broadcast the drill over NOAA weather radio stations and the Emergency Alert System.
In 2022, the National Weather System issued 107 tornado warnings for North Carolina and recorded 21 tornadoes. There were 74 flood incidents across the state. In addition, the National Weather System issued 752 severe thunderstorm warnings, and recorded 125 large hail events and 826 damaging thunderstorm wind events.
Emergency officials recommend residents use the following safety tips:
- Know the terms: WATCH means a tornado is possible. WARNING means a tornado has been spotted; take shelter immediately.
- Know where the nearest safe room is, such as a basement or interior room and away from windows, and go there immediately if you hear or see a tornado.
- If driving, you should leave your vehicle immediately to seek safety in an adequate structure. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle, and do not stop under an overpass or a bridge.
- If you are outdoors, and there is no shelter available, take cover in a low-lying flat area. Watch out for flying debris.
- Following a storm, wear sturdy shoes, long sleeves and gloves when walking on or near debris, and be aware of exposed nails and broken glass.
- Be aware of damaged power or gas lines and electrical systems that may cause fires, electrocution or explosions.
More information on tornadoes and overall emergency preparedness can be found online at www.ReadyNC.gov.
