MEDIA ADVISORY
What: Statewide Tornado Drill as part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week
Root Elementary School in Raleigh will host reporters covering the tornado drill
Nick Petro, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Raleigh, will be on hand for interviews, and to make a presentation to fifth grade students who are studying weather. Selected students and school staff will also be available for interviews.
Where: Root Elementary School
3202 Northampton St. Raleigh, NC
When: Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Media may arrive at 9 a.m. Tornado drill will begin at 9:30 a.m.
The annual statewide tornado drill is part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 4-10. The drill is conducted in cooperation with the National Weather Service, local broadcasters, local school systems and North Carolina Emergency Management.
At 9:30 a.m., all NOAA Weather Radio stations, along with local broadcast stations, will use the Emergency Alert System to transmit the tornado drill message. The drill gives North Carolina schools and businesses an opportunity to test their preparedness and action plans for a severe weather
Severe weather statistics from National Weather Service:
- Number of tornado warnings issued in North Carolina in 2017 - 85
- Number of tornadoes recorded in North Carolina in 2017 - 30
- Deadliest months for tornadoes in NC – March, May and November
- Number of severe thunderstorm warnings in 2017 - 561
- Number of severe thunderstorm wind events in 2017 – 548
- Estimated damage in NC in 2017 from severe weather - $60 million
When Tornadoes Form – During heavy thunderstorms when warm, moist air collides with cold air. These storms can also produce large hail and strong winds. Residents should be equally prepared when other forms of severe weather threaten, such as lightning, floods or hail.
What to do – Listen to local radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio when severe weather is likely. If a TORNADO WARNING is issued, a tornado has been detected in your area. Take shelter immediately!
Where to go
At home - Go to the basement if available. Or go to the lowest floor of the house and to an interior room such as a hallway, pantry or closet.
At school – Go to inner hallways away from windows, preferably on the lowest level. Stay out of gymnasiums, auditoriums and cafeterias where there is a large roof span.