Ohio's statewide tornado drill begins Wednesday at 9:50 a.m.
Columbus, Ohio (W.C.M.H.) — A tornado drill will be held across the state at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday as part of Ohio's Severe Weather Awareness Week.
The Ohio State Paramedic Association sets aside one week each March to educate the public about potential severe weather events. After a historic winter with more than a dozen tornadoes in Ohio, EMS wants local residents to continue preparing for the possibility of even more severe weather in the spring.
“Tornadoes and other severe weather conditions can strike at any time, so being prepared is a safeguard against storms,” said Jeffrey J. Young, Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director. “The annual statewide tornado drill is a chance for us to rehearse and refine our emergency plans and prepare to come together to protect our communities.”
Sirens will sound once every three minutes in Franklin County, replacing weekly noon testing on Wednesdays. Delaware County EMA chose not to conduct siren tests after last week's tornado.
In a typical year, Ohio sees about 20 tornadoes, most of them with weak winds of 65 to 110 mph. Heading into the annual test, the state had already nearly reached its annual average before the first day of spring.
The first tornado surge occurred February 28th, when nine tornadoes touched down In Ohio, this included EF-1 tornadoes in Hilliard and Madison counties and an EF-2 in Licking County. This was the second consecutive year that a tornado occurred in February.
March 14th, 8 tornadoes touched down The storms are more severe than the February storm. His EF-3 in Logan County was among the tornadoes in Ohio in March. 3 people were killed. Tornadoes have also caused damage in Delaware and Licking counties. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine declares a state of emergency.
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A tornado in east London was caught on my home security camera. (Christopher Estep) -
Storm Team 4's guide to the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. -
Storm Team 4's guide to the safest options for evacuation in the event of a tornado warning or other severe weather event. -
Severe storms and possible tornadoes hit central Ohio on March 14, 2024, killing multiple people in Logan County. (NBC4) -
Severe storms and possible tornadoes hit central Ohio on March 14, 2024, killing multiple people in Logan County. (Courtesy of Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce) -
A home in West Jefferson was severely damaged after a possible tornado on February 28, 2024. (NBC4/Eric Halperin) -
Severe storms and possible tornadoes hit central Ohio on March 14, 2024, killing multiple people in Logan County. (Courtesy of Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce) -
House in Hilliard suffers storm damage after tornado warning issued Feb. 28, 2024 (Courtesy photo/Hilliard Police Department) -
Multiple power lines are down on Durrett Road in southwest Columbus after a thunderstorm and tornado warning on February 28, 2024. (Courtesy photo/AEP Ohio)
During Wednesday's tornado drill, Ohio EMA is encouraging businesses, schools and homes to put their severe weather plans in place when sirens sound. In addition to tornadoes, EMA shared protocols in case of flooding. For more information, click here.
For the most accurate predictions for Storm Team 4, click here. When severe weather warnings are issued, stay with NBC4 and Storm Team 4 on-air and online.
https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/central-ohio-news/ohios-statewide-tornado-drill-is-at-950-a-m-wednesday-3/ Ohio's statewide tornado drill begins Wednesday at 9:50 a.m.
