Latest news with #SevereWeatherPreparednessWeek
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Posey County EMA Director taking proactive approach to severe weather threat
MOUNT VERNON, Ind. (WEHT) – Indiana's Severe Weather Preparedness Week is taking on a different tone this year in Mount Vernon, coming on the heels of last year's July 9th tornado. Posey County Emergency Management Director Carrie Thompson says those lessons are being applied to this week's threat for severe weather. 'Never assume that it's not going to happen to you,' says Thompson. She says that is one of the major lessons learned from last year's tornado. Thompson is also taking that lesson to heart. 'I've worked for emergency management for over 12 years now,' explains Thompson, 'and for the first 11 years that I was in my position, we were very lucky. We had severe storms, there was some tornadoes, but they didn't really do any major damage, and then we kind of got the double whammy last year with a total of 7.' This year, severe weather risks look to wrap up the preparedness week and Thompson says this is the perfect opportunity to make a plan and make sure you have multiple ways to be alerted of severe weather. The latest forecast from Your Weather Authority 'Plenty of time in advance, you want to know where your safe place is,' says Thompson. 'Make sure you have blankets, maybe extra water, snacks. Make sure your devices are charged. That's more of a day-of type of thing. Just make sure everything's ready to go and in your safe place.' In response to the July 9th tornado, Thompson is already making calls with severe weather looming, just in case. 'We had people that needed somewhere to go. And, while we had possible shelter locations in mind,' says Thompson, 'We're starting to make those contacts now where, if this happens, can we send people to you?' Mount Vernon Mayor Steve Loehr says the city and he, personally, have taken severe weather more seriously since last year's tornado. His statement to Eyewitness News can be read below. 'After last year's tornado we now realize that we are just as vulnerable as any other community. I also believe that people will take warnings a little more seriously now, including myself.' – One weather notification option Thompson recommends for Posey County residents is 'Code Red'. Residents can sign up for that service here. Posey County EMA Director taking proactive approach to severe weather threat Construction continues on Rhythm River Distillery Indiana DNR provides new details on Chandler mine collapse Wind damage closes Evansville road for several hours 'I don't know what to do': Chandler residents scrambling after mine collapse Eyewitness News. Everywhere you are. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Tornado drills held statewide for Indiana's weather prep week
SULLIVAN, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — It's Severe Weather Preparedness Week, and Tuesday, tornado drills were carried out across the state of Indiana. A WTWO/WAWV videographer was at the Sullivan Courthouse as staff there practiced their safety plan in the event of a tornado. IN Governor announces Severe Weather Preparedness Week Jim Pirtle is the Director of the Sullivan County Emergency Management Agency, and he said the county also tested its tornado Tuesday and will be implementing a new system soon that can reach even more people. 'Within two or three weeks, we will be going to code red, which is a mass notification system,' said Pirtle. 'And I encourage our citizens all the time that you listen to your local news channels for weather, incoming weather. Always have your weather radio and check your batteries twice a year.' Pirtle also said schools, the hospital and other businesses in the area also participated in the tornado drill on Tuesday. Statewide tornado drill to take place in Illinois on Wednesday Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
How to stay prepped for severe weather: Chief Meteorologist Jesse Walker weighs in
FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — This week is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Indiana, and even though the temperatures outside are nice and warm, it's important to stay vigilant for severe weather conditions. That's why for the next several days, the National Weather Service is working with local and state governments to inform people of the dangers of severe weather. IN Governor announces Severe Weather Preparedness Week During Severe Weather Preparedness Week it would be a good time to make sure your family has a plan in place for all types of events. Here are some tips about the importance of being prepared for severe weather from WTWO/WAWV Chief Meteorologist Jesse Walker. Walker started his discussion on the terminology of tornado notification. The reason for this is that there is often a misunderstanding between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. First there is a tornado watch, which means that the weather forecasted has favorable conditions that would make a tornado likely to appear. You can remember this a little easier by knowing if its a watch you should 'watch out' for a tornado. When a tornado warning is in effect, it means that someone has spotted a tornado, either on the radar or storm spotter. On rare occasions, a tornado emergency can also be issued. Walker said tornado emergencies are reserved for when a particularly large tornado is confirmed and headed for a populated area. Local school recognizes Severe Weather Preparedness Week Walker also went into what to do in case of a tornado. Walker said the easiest way to stay safe is to remember low and inside. The best course of action is to go indoors and head to the lowest part of the building. Also, small inside rooms such as hallways, closets, and bathrooms are places to get to, but the best place is a basement. Walker also added that it's good to stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Walker also had on screen that it's good to cover yourself in blankets or a mattress for extra protection from the elements. Walker ended the discussion by stating that we could have some strong to severe thunderstorms coming in on Friday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Tornado sirens to sound across Indiana today but no worry. It's just a severe weather test
If you hear tornado sirens this morning, don't worry! There's no severe weather in your area. Sirens will sound Tuesday morning throughout the entire state as a test. The sirens will activate the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on NOAA Weather Radio but will not trigger a wireless emergency alert. This statewide tornado drill is a part of Indiana Severe Weather and Flood Preparedness Week, which Governor Mike Braun proclaimed this week for the state. The National Weather Service (NWS), in conjunction with the Indiana State Police, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, the Indiana Department of Education, the Indiana Broadcasters Association, the American Red Cross, and Amateur Radio Operators will conduct a statewide test of communication systems on at 10:15 AM EDT/9:15 AM CDT. March 9-15, 2025, Preparedness Week: As snow makes way for tornadoes, Severe Weather Preparedness Week teaches year-round safety As part of NWS efforts to build a Weather Ready Nation, the goal of Severe Weather Preparedness Week is to educate and prepare people about the hazards of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Each day focuses on a different topic. NWS Indianapolis will make about five posts on social media each day of Severe Weather Preparedness March 9, Saturday: Recap of Severe Weather Preparedness Week March 10, Sunday: Weather Ready Nation March 11, Monday: Severe Weather Outlooks and Watches March 12, Tuesday: Statewide Tornado Drill Day 📢 March 13, Wednesday: Other Types of Severe Weather Hazards March 14, Thursday: Flooding March 15, Friday: Response and Recovery Indiana has recorded more than 1,400 tornadoes since 1950, resulting in more than 5,000 injuries and 300 deaths. To mitigate the effects of a severe tornado, every Hoosier business, school, and family are urged to participate in the statewide tornado drill. Indiana experienced 76 flooding or heavy rain events in 2022 and since 1994, the state has received 12 disaster declarations related to flooding. This unpredictability emphasizes the need to be prepared for such disasters, according to Braun's proclamation. Marion County residents can register for emergency alerts by texting MESAINDY to 67283. Those who prefer to receive notifications through calls or email can sign up at Indiana's Department of Homeland Security recommends building a disaster kit to prepare for an emergency. The kit should have at least three days' worth of drinking water and food, a flashlight, first aid supplies and a weather radio. Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Tornado sirens to sound across Indiana today in severe weather test
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Indiana to hold statewide tornado drill Tuesday morning
HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) – As part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week, the state of Indiana will hold its statewide tornado drill Tuesday morning. The drill is slated to take place at 10:15 a.m., which will be shared through most notification systems. This includes the statewide Emergency Alert System (EAS). According to every Hoosier business, school and family should participate to know where to go, what to do and what to take. Officials state there will be no follow-up alerts issued by the National Weather Service to mark the end of the drill. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
