Ohio's tornado season is approaching. What you need to know before the next state drill

Yahoo

08-03-2025

With tornado season approaching, a statewide warning drill is scheduled for March 19 during Severe Weather Awareness Week.
"Ohioans are encouraged to participate in the drill and practice their emergency sheltering plans," according to the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness. "Ohio counties may use this time to sound and test their outdoor warning sirens and mass notification systems. Schools, households, and businesses are also encouraged to practice their tornado drills and emergency plans."
Last year marked a record-breaking tornado season for Ohio, with 74 tornadoes observed, 14 more than the 2023 season and nearly tripling the amount recorded in 2022.
The previous tornado record for the state had stood since 1992. 62 tornadoes were recorded in that season.
In Ohio, statewide tornado drills occur annually, typically during the third week of March.
The statewide tornado drill is scheduled for March 19 at 9:50 a.m.
In Ohio, the National Weather Service has observed peak tornado season to be from April through June, but it's not unprecedented for things to pick up earlier. On Feb. 28 of last year, nine tornadoes were felt in the state, with eight more recorded a few weeks later.
According to the National Weather Service, there have been 17 tornadoes in Stark County recorded since 1950. The most recent was observed in October 2021.
Here's the course of action the National Weather Service recommends in the event of a tornado:
Stay Weather-Ready: Continue to listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated about tornado watches and warnings.
At Your House: If you are in a tornado warning, go to your basement, safe room, or an interior room away from windows. Don't forget pets if time allows.
At Your Workplace or School: Follow your tornado drill and proceed to your tornado shelter location quickly and calmly. Stay away from windows and do not go to large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.
Outside: Seek shelter inside a sturdy building immediately if a tornado is approaching. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Neither is a mobile home or tent. If you have time, get to a safe building.
In a vehicle: Being in a vehicle during a tornado is not safe. The best course of action is to drive to the closest shelter. If you are unable to make it to a safe shelter, either get down in your car and cover your head, or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low lying area such as a ditch or ravine.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Tornado drill for Ohio set for mid-March ahead of peak tornado season