The following blog post summarizes Kentucky’s Severe Weather Awareness Week, proclaimed for March 1–7, 2026. It highlights the state’s exposure to severe weather and recalls recent disasters.
The post outlines the week’s safety themes, the statewide tornado drill, and how residents can stay informed and prepared. It also points readers to trusted channels for ongoing weather updates during the week.
Kentucky Declares Severe Weather Awareness Week
Governor Andy Beshear’s proclamation marks a focused effort to prepare communities for a history of frequent severe weather. Since taking office, Kentucky has endured 15 federally declared weather disasters.
In 2025, the Storm Prediction Center documented 53 tornadoes in Kentucky, with 42 of them occurring during the peak tornado months of March, April, and May. Among last year’s events, the deadly EF4 tornado on the night of May 16–17 caused catastrophic damage in Russell, Pulaski, and Laurel counties and claimed 19 lives, ranging from a 25-year-old to an 88-year-old.
Drill and preparedness events
To help residents practice safety in real-time, Kentucky will hold a statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 4 at 10:07 a.m. EST (9:07 a.m. CST). Local TV and radio stations, along with NOAA Weather Radio, will broadcast the drill alert so families, schools, and workplaces can rehearse their tornado safety routines and confirm alert access across devices and locations.
Daily safety themes and outreach
During Severe Weather Awareness Week, each day emphasizes a distinct safety topic to build a practical, repeatable plan for households and communities. Officials hope the week will strengthen trauma-informed, swift decision-making when warnings are issued.
Daily topics at a glance
Across the week, the following safety themes will guide learning and outreach:
- Monday — lightning safety
- Tuesday — hail and wind safety
- Wednesday — warning reception
- Thursday — tornado safety
- Friday — flood safety
- Saturday — recreational safety
These topics align with practical steps families can take, such as understanding how to shelter during a thunderstorm and recognizing how hail and strong winds can threaten outdoor activities. Planning for safe transport and evacuation routes when tornado warnings arrive is also emphasized.
Local media partners will feature preparedness content to reinforce learning throughout the week.
Information channels and trusted resources
Officials encourage residents to develop a severe weather plan and to follow guidance from Team Kentucky and local National Weather Service resources. For real-time updates and guidance, NWS Louisville will share preparedness information via its social media accounts on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
In addition, Spectrum News 1 will continue to report the latest weather news and updates during the awareness week. Community members should also rely on local school and workplace emergency plans and ensure they have access to alerting systems such as NOAA Weather Radio.
How to participate and stay prepared
Severe Weather Awareness Week is a collaborative effort among government leaders, meteorologists, emergency managers, and the public.
Building a robust plan involves practical steps that can be implemented year-round.
The following actions are recommended to families and organizations:
- Develop and rehearse a household severe weather plan that designates a safe space and assigns roles for each member during a warning.
- Identify the safest shelter locations in homes, schools, and workplaces, and ensure children and vulnerable individuals know where to go.
- Assemble a ready emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and important documents.
- Sign up for local alerts and practice drills to ensure you receive timely warnings on your preferred devices.
- Stay informed through trusted channels such as the NWS, Team Kentucky updates, and local broadcasters during the drill and any actual events.
Here is the source article for this story: Severe Weather Awareness Week in Kentucky: What to know