Severe Weather Awareness Weeks test readiness for life-threatening severe weather events

(KBSI) – States in the FOX23 viewing area will mark Severe Weather Awareness Week the coming weeks.

The purpose of the week is test everyone’s readiness for life-threatening severe weather events such as tornadoes, flash floods, and damaging winds. Highlights of Severe Weather Awareness Week include receiving weather info, tornado safety, lightning safety, hail/wind safety and flood safety.

It begins on March 1 in Kentucky, on March 6 in Illinois and Missouri. Tennessee marked Severe Weather Awareness Week from February 19-25.

Illinois and Missouri will conduct an annual tornado drill on March 7 at 10 a.m. Residents should treat the drill as if it were an actual Tornado Warning, according to the National Weather Service. The purpose of the drill is to test everyone’s readiness for life-threatening severe weather events such as tornadoes, flash floods, and damaging winds. Local officials are encouraged sound warning sirens to initiate the drill.

Illinois: No communication drill – but RWT code (Routine Weekly Test) will be sent out to promote preparedness activities on March 7 around 10 a.m.

Missouri: No communication drill – but RWT code (Routine Weekly Test) will be sent out to promote preparedness activities on March 7 around 10 a.m.

Kentucky: No communication drill – but RWT code (Routine Weekly Test) will be sent out to promote preparedness activities on March 1 around 9:07 a.m.

Tennessee: Marked Severe Weather Awareness Week from Feb. 19-25