Virginia Severe Weather Awareness Week begins today

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wakefield, Virginia, has announced that Severe Weather Awareness Week begins today and runs through Friday. This annual campaign aims to educate Virginians about the risks associated with severe weather and to promote preparedness strategies.

A key event during the week is the Statewide Tornado Drill, scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, March 11, at 9:45 AM. Residents, businesses, schools, and organizations are encouraged to participate in this exercise to practice their tornado emergency plans. The drill provides an opportunity to ensure that everyone knows where to go and what to do in the event of a tornado.

Virginia experiences a variety of severe weather events, including tornadoes, thunderstorms, and hurricanes. Severe Weather Awareness Week serves as a reminder for individuals and communities to review and update their emergency preparedness plans. The NWS emphasizes that being informed and prepared can save lives and reduce property damage during severe weather incidents.

Throughout the week, the NWS will provide educational materials and resources to help Virginians understand severe weather threats and how to respond effectively. Topics will include recognizing severe weather warnings, developing communication plans, and assembling emergency supply kits.

For more information on Severe Weather Awareness Week and to access preparedness resources, visit the NWS Wakefield office’s website at weather.gov/akq/SevereWeatherAwareness.