Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Week March 25-29, 2024

As we flip the pages of the calendar, our attention turns to spring, but also the risk of severe weather. March 25-29, 2024 is Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Again this year, the National Weather Service (NWS) offices which serve Nebraska, will lead efforts to prepare via an annual tornado warning drill. Drill information follows: 
⦁    Date: Wednesday, March 27 
⦁    Time: 10:00 AM, CDT
⦁    Method: The drill will be sent via NWS Weather Radio All-Hazards tone alert. 
⦁    The NWS portion of the drill WILL NOT trigger phone notifications, media alerts, Wireless Emergency Alerts or almost all other automatic notification systems.
⦁    If you have a weather radio, the drill will be identified as a “Routine Weekly Test” or RWT and likely sound the audible alarm. 
⦁    Participation: Participation is voluntary. However, many schools, businesses, cities and/or counties may participate. This will allow everyone to practice their severe weather plan before a disaster happens. Contact the local Emergency Manager to find out if a city or county will participate and by what means.
Spotter Talks Ongoing Across the Area

Another aspect of preparedness is learning more about severe weather and its impacts at a local Spotter Talk. Spotter talks have been scheduled and are ongoing across south central Nebraska. A complete schedule is available on the NWS Hastings website.