For Immediate Release: March 14, 2018
Spring-like Severe Weather Hits Ohio Early
Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 18-24
COLUMBUS,
OH – Spring officially begins on March 20, but Ohio and other states in the
Midwest received a good dose of spring-like severe weather last month.
Continuous heavy rains and severe storms started on February 18, causing many
Ohio rivers to flood and crest well above their flood stages. Flooding occurred
in multiple Ohio counties, most notably those along the Ohio River.
On
February 24, Governor John R. Kasich declared a State of Emergency for 17
counties due to severe flooding. Other notable severe weather events last month
include:
- February
26 – Due to significant rain, a large rock slide occurs in Chesapeake, OH
(Lawrence County), closing all lanes of State Route 7. No cars were damaged; no
injuries reported.
- February
25 – The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed an EF1 tornado in
Hamersville, OH (Brown County). No injuries reported.
- February
25 – The NWS confirmed an EF1 tornado in Felicity, OH (Clermont County). No
injuries reported.
- According
to the NWS, February 20 was recorded as the hottest February day in Ohio
history. Cincinnati topped out at 79 degrees; Columbus reached 77 degrees;
Dayton, 75 degrees; Cleveland, 73 degrees; and Toledo, 69 degrees.
In
a coordinated effort with the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness
(OCSWA), Gov. Kasich is proclaiming March 18-24 as Severe Weather Awareness Week
and encourages all Ohioans to learn what to do to protect themselves from spring
and summer weather hazards and home emergencies.
“Ohio
has gone full circle with severe weather hazards over the last four months,”
said Sima Merick, executive director of Ohio EMA. “We’ve had a record-making
November day with 17 tornadoes; six of which were the strength of EF2. We’ve
had winter storms that created blizzard conditions; a record day of heat in
February, and major flooding of Ohio rivers.
“If
you haven’t already prepared for weather emergencies, Spring Severe Weather
Awareness Week would be the ideal time. Have emergency plans for the different
hazards that can occur. Conduct tornado and fire safety drills. Make emergency
supply kits for your home, your car, or in case you need to evacuate. Consider
purchasing flood insurance.”
As
part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, as coordinated by OCSWA, the state of
Ohio will participate in a statewide tornado drill and test its Emergency Alert
System (EAS) on Wednesday, March 21 at 9:50 a.m. During this time, Ohio
counties will sound and test their outdoor warning sirens. Schools, businesses
and households are encouraged to practice their tornado drills and emergency
plans.
What Can Ohioans
Do During Severe Weather Awareness Week?
-
Prepare for Weather and Home
Emergencies. Homes,
schools and businesses should update their safety/ communications plans.
Practice tornado and fire drills. Replenish supplies in emergency kits. Be
informed – Know the risks about the different disasters and hazards that can
affect families where they live, work and go to school.
-
Know Ohio’s Weather Hazards. Ohio’s spring and
summer weather hazards include tornadoes, thunderstorms, floods, and even
snowstorms through early spring. Visit the OCSWA website: www.weathersafety.ohio.gov to view current
Ohio weather and to review severe weather safety and preparedness information.
-
Know Tornado and Other Weather Terms. Ensure that
everyone knows the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning. A
tornado watch means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes.
A tornado warning is issued when a tornado is imminent or occurring. If a
tornado warning is issued for your area, do not stop to take photos or shoot
video. Seek safe shelter immediately.
During
tornado drills or actual tornado warnings, remember to DUCK!
-
D – Go DOWN to the
lowest level, stay away from windows
-
U – Get UNDER
something (such as a basement staircase or heavy table or desk)
-
C – COVER your head
-
K – KEEP in shelter
until the storm has passed
Many
Ohio counties have outdoor warning sirens that sound during severe storm and
tornado warnings. During storm watches or warnings, listen to your NOAA Weather
Radio or your local news for up-to-date weather information.
People
also receive notification of severe weather and other emergencies through their
cellphones and mobile devices. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are emergency
texts sent by authorized government alerting authorities. WEAs can notify you
of extreme weather warnings, local emergencies requiring evacuation or
immediate action, AMBER Alerts, and Presidential Alerts.
# # #
Follow OCSWA and Ohio EMA on
Facebook and Twitter during Severe Weather Awareness Week for additional severe
weather awareness safety and preparedness information.
For additional information, contact:
Jay Carey, Ohio EMA (614) 799-3695, JDCarey@dps.ohio.gov
Alex McCarthy, Tuscarawas County EMA (330) 308-6671, McCarthy@co.tuscarawas.oh.us
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