Severe Weather Preparedness Week in North Carolina: What to Expect on Rowan County Weather

Severe Weather Preparedness Week is underway across North Carolina, and here in Rowan County, this is one of the most important awareness campaigns of the year.

Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes the increased risk of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, damaging winds, hail, lightning, and flash flooding. This week is designed to help every household, business, school, and church take a few minutes each day to prepare before the next storm hits.

Throughout the week, Rowan County Weather will break down a different safety topic each day to help you and your family stay informed and ready.

What We’ll Cover This Week

Sunday – Overview of Severe Weather Preparedness Week

Today’s focus is a full overview of what Severe Weather Preparedness Week is, why it matters in North Carolina, and how you can follow along each day.

North Carolina averages dozens of tornadoes each year and experiences severe storms in every season — but especially in the spring. Preparation now can make all the difference later.

Monday – Severe Thunderstorms & Tornadoes

We’ll explain:

• What makes a thunderstorm “severe”

• How tornadoes form

• The difference between a Watch and a Warning

• Why Rowan County can experience both spin-up and long-track tornadoes

Tuesday – How to Receive Alerts & Statewide Tornado Drill Information

We’ll walk through the best ways to receive severe weather alerts, including:

• Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

• NOAA Weather Radios

• Local media and trusted online sources

• Why you should never rely on just one method

Statewide Tornado Drill Details:

When: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.
Where: All of North Carolina
How: The drill will use the Routine Monthly Test (RMT) code

This is a great opportunity to practice your safety plan at home, at school, or at work.

Wednesday – Staying Safe During High Winds, Hail & Tornadoes

We’ll cover:

• The safest place in your home

• What to do if you’re driving

• Mobile home safety

• Protecting yourself from flying debris

• Why interior rooms matter

Thursday – Lightning Safety

Lightning strikes the United States millions of times per year and can be deadly. We’ll focus on:

• The “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors” rule

• Outdoor sports and lightning delays

• Why porches and carports are not safe shelters

• What to avoid during a storm

Friday – Flash Flood Safety

Flooding is one of the leading weather-related killers in North Carolina.

We’ll explain:

• Why flooding happens so quickly

• The dangers of driving through water

• What “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” really means

• Why just a few inches of water can be life-threatening

Saturday – Make a Plan

To wrap up the week, we’ll encourage everyone to:

• Identify their safe place

• Build or review an emergency kit

• Talk with children about storm safety

• Share preparedness information with neighbors, family, and coworkers

Preparation is not panic — it’s protection.

Why This Week Matters for Rowan County

Severe weather doesn’t wait for us to be ready. The time to think about your safe place is before the warning is issued — not when the sirens sound.

Rowan County Weather will provide daily posts, graphics, and reminders throughout the week to help keep preparedness top of mind.

Let’s use this week to build safer homes, stronger awareness, and a more weather-ready community.

Stay tuned each day right here on Rowan County Weather.