COLUMBUS, OH – March 15-21, 2026, has been designated as Severe Weather Awareness Week. All Ohioans are encouraged to be prepared for spring and summer weather hazards, including thunderstorms, high winds, tornadoes, and floods.
Severe Weather Awareness Week reminds us to be prepared and ready for weather events that can often happen without warning. Taking time to review your family’s emergency plans annually can make all the difference when severe weather strikes.
The Statewide Tornado Drill will be held on Wednesday, March 18 at 9:50 a.m. Ohioans are encouraged to participate in the drill and practice their emergency sheltering plans. Ohio counties may use this time to sound and test their outdoor warning sirens and mass notification systems. Schools, households, and businesses should take time to practice their tornado drills and emergency plans.
“The statewide tornado drill is a great time for Ohioans to practice safe sheltering before a real severe weather event occurs,” said Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Sima Merick. “We encourage everyone to prepare ahead of severe weather – make a plan for safe sheltering and practice it.”
Follow OCSWA on Facebook and X during Severe Weather Awareness Week for additional severe weather awareness safety and preparedness information. #SWAW2025
The daily themes of the OCSWA social media campaign for Severe Weather Awareness Week are below. Partners are encouraged to follow along and post in accordance with the schedule.
- Sunday – Overview & Preparedness
- Monday – Watches, Warnings, and Outlooks
- Tuesday – Receiving Alerts/WEA
- Wednesday – Tornadoes & Sheltering (Statewide Tornado Drill)
- Thursday – Thunderstorms & Lightning
- Friday – Flooding
- Saturday – Become Involved/Be in the Know, Skywarn, etc.
