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Missouri will hold Missouri Severe Weather Preparedness Week March 2-6. A statewide tornado drill is March 4, which is held to draw attention to the dangers of severe storms and to help Missourians prepare.
Sixteen Missourians lost their lives because of tornadoes in 2025, the deadliest since the Joplin tornado in 2011 claimed 158.
“Missouri had five federal major disasters in 2025 – more than any other state last year – which, along with the fatalities and injuries, sends a clarion call for the need to be prepared for all forms of severe weather,” State Emergency Management Agency Director Jim Remillardsaid. “We strongly encourage all Missourians to take these threats seriously and make sure every member of their household knows how to prepare and is ready to take protective action.”
Missouri’s annual statewide tornado drill is 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 4,as part of the week’s preparedness activities. At 11 a.m. on the day of the tornado drill, NOAA Weather Radios set to receive the Routine Weekly Tests (RWTs) will alert listeners that the tornado drill has begun. Outdoor warning sirens will also sound across Texas County communities. At that time, participants should practice taking cover in a designated shelter area or an interior room on the lowest level of a secure structure.
Schools, businesses and families are all encouraged to participate in the drill. Educators are also encouraged to use the tornado drill as an opportunity to incorporate tornado facts, meteorological information and safety tips into their lesson plans.
SAFETY TIPS
National Weather Service provides several safety tips and educational information about tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, lightning and the importance of NOAA Weather Radios on its Severe Weather Awareness Week page. Each day during the week will focus on a different safety message:
- Monday, March 2 – Receiving Weather Information
- Tuesday, March 3 – Lightning Safety
- Wednesday, March 4 – Tornado Safety
- Thursday, March 5 – Hail/Wind Safety
- Friday, March 6 – Flood Safety
Tips to stay safe during severe weather:
- Follow local forecasts anytime severe weather is anticipated. Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts in case one fails or if severe weather strikes overnight.
- Create a family emergency plan to stay safe and remember to include all pets when building an emergency kit and stocking up on supplies.
- A tornado watchmeans tornadoes are possible in the area. A tornado warningmeans seek shelter immediately because a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar.
- The safest shelter location for tornadoes is generally an interior room without windows on the lowest floor of a sturdy structure, preferably in the basement.
- Immediately leave a mobile home to seek shelter in a nearby building and never seek shelter under an overpass – the wind tunnel effect and flying debris can be deadly.
- If you hear thunder, it means lightning is close enough to strike you. Leave elevated areas and avoid isolated trees. Seek shelter immediately in an enclosed building or vehicle.
- The safest place to be when there is high winds or hail is indoors. Avoid driving to prevent injuries or vehicle damage. Consider all downed power lines as live.
- Never drive into standing water, even if it appears shallow. As little as 6 inches of fast-moving water can cause a car to lose control. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and sweep it away. Murky water can hide hazards including dangerous debris and road damage.
More information can be found at stormaware.mo.gov, which includes detailed videos on how to shelter from tornadoes in specific locations, how to avoid flash flooding dangers and useful information on tornado sirens and weather alert radios.
Missourians are also encouraged to utilize Missouri’s “Ready in 3” program to create a plan, prepare a kit and listen for information regarding severe weather emergencies – www.health.mo.gov/emergencies/readyin3.