Severe Weather and Flood Preparedness Week has started in Tennessee this week as a way to promote safety and preparedness this coming spring.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and Tennessee's National Weather Service offices teamed up to help raise awareness of severe weather in the state.
"Severe weather can occur at any time in Tennessee," TEMA Director Patrick Sheehan said in a release from the Tennessee Department of Military. "TEMA wants Tennesseans and our state's visitors to understand severe weather hazards, and prepare themselves and their loved one to receive and understand warnings, and get to safety, when severe weather threatens."
The week will last up until March 3 with days dedicated to learning about the different kinds of weather conditions and how to be prepared for anything.
Monday, Feb. 26 looks at flooding and flash flooding and provided tips and resources for those who are unsure of what to do in a heavy rain event.
Tuesday, Feb. 27 looks at lightning safety. The National Weather Service shares resources of both the science of lightning as well as safety tips for any kind of situation.
Wednesday, Feb. 28 looks at tornado safety and preparedness. Chief Meteorologist Todd Howell mentions it is not unusual to see severe weather in February. For 2018, temperatures have been above average, sparking up a few thunderstorms across the region. Only this weekend, two tornadoes touched down in Middle Tennessee near Clarksville. The National Weather Service is postponing a statewide tornado drill. The practice drill will be conducted on Friday, March 2 instead.
Thursday, March 1 looks at severe thunderstorms and understanding the difference between a warning and watch.
Friday, March 2 looks at NOAA weather radio and emergency alert systems. This system is what helps deliver emergency weather data across radiowaves.
Saturday, March 3 looks at social media platforms and how Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and many others all play a role in sharing critical weather information.
The Tennessee Disaster Information Facebook page will be sharing updates throughout the week of each day. State leaders will be joining Facebook Lives to talk to viewers about severe weather.
The National Weather Service in Morristown also has multiple opportunities across the region for those who want to learn more about storm spotting. It offers multiple classes all throughout the coming year for those who want to become storm spotters. A list of those classes for the 2018 year are available here.
You can also keep up with the weather forecast with the 10News Weather team here.