{"id":203731,"date":"2026-03-12T22:33:44","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T03:33:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevwindependent.com\/news\/?p=203731"},"modified":"2026-03-13T18:16:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T23:16:10","slug":"severe-weather-awareness-week-starts-sunday-in-ohio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thevwindependent.com\/news\/2026\/03\/12\/severe-weather-awareness-week-starts-sunday-in-ohio\/","title":{"rendered":"Severe Weather Awareness Week to start"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

VW independent staff\/submitted information<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

COLUMBUS — Governor Mike DeWine has designated March 15-21 as Severe Weather Awareness Week and is encouraging all Ohioans to be prepared for spring and summer weather hazards, including thunderstorms, high winds, tornadoes, and floods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSevere Weather Awareness Week reminds us to be prepared and ready for weather events that can often happen without warning,\u201d he said. \u201cTaking time to review your family\u2019s emergency plans annually can make all the difference when severe weather strikes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While severe weather isn\u2019t strictly limited to tornadoes, it is important to remember that Van Wert County has had 41 tornadoes since 1950, with 36 of those occurring since 1990, earning the county the dubious distinction as the \u201cTornado Capital of Ohio.\u201d Therefore, county residents are strongly encouraged to be fully prepared for severe weather, including tornadoes. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Spring severe weather includes tornadoes, which are not uncommon in Van Wert County. Phil Saunier photo<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

A statewide tornado drill will be held at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, March 18. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe statewide tornado drill is a great time for Ohioans to practice safe sheltering before a real severe weather event occurs,\u201d said Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Sima Merick. \u201cWe encourage everyone to prepare ahead of severe weather \u2013 make a plan for safe sheltering and practice it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The daily themes of the OCSWA social media campaign for Severe Weather Awareness Week<\/u><\/strong><\/a> are below. Partners are encouraged to follow along and post in accordance with the schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n