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The Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service are launching Severe Weather Awareness Week, set to take place from March 10-14.  This statewide initiative aims to educate residents about the risks associated with severe weather, provide life-saving information, and encourage proactive planning for extreme weather events.

Throughout the week, a different topic will be covered and shared on social media. The information shared will focus on preparedness tips and ways to stay safe during severe weather.

• MONDAY: Watch vs Warning
• TUESDAY: Tornadoes
• WEDNESDAY: Severe Thunderstorms (Hail, Lightning, and Wind)
• THURSDAY: Flash Flooding
• FRIDAY: Outdoor Weather Safety 

“Severe weather can be unpredictable, and our primary goal is to empower our communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to stay safe,” said VDEM State Coordinator John Scrivani. “By partnering with the National Weather Service, we are bringing together expert insights to ensure that every Virginian is prepared, informed, and resilient in the face of severe weather events.”

During the week, NWS will offer a basic and an advanced Skywarn training class. This class will cover how thunderstorms form and look at the weather types they can produce from strong winds, hail and even tornadoes. It will also cover the numerous ways that spotters can report this significant weather. This class will be offered virtually during Severe Weather Awareness Week and in person at several locations across the area this spring.  

A list of classes being offered is available at: https://www.weather.gov/akq/SKYWARN?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. 

“Effective communication and preparedness are the keys to reducing the risks associated with severe weather,” said NWS Wakefield Meteorologist in Charge Jeff Orrock. “We are excited to collaborate with our state partners to spread awareness and foster a culture of safety throughout Virginia.”