National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Regional Outbreaks of Severe Weather Through Early Next Week; Early Season Heat Wave across the South

Active spring pattern across the center of our nation with several episodes of severe weather and heavy rainfall expected into next week. The potential for very large hail, long track tornadoes, severe wind gusts, frequent cloud to ground lightning strikes and flash flooding are in the outlook. Furthermore, dangerous early season heat wave continues for the Gulf Coast states into early next week. Read More >

The NOAA Weather Radio Routine Weekly Test will be conducted on Tuesday, March 3 at 10:00 am CST instead of Wednesday this week in recognition of Illinois Severe Weather Awareness Week.  This is done to coincide with testing of outdoor warning sirens done by many communities in Illinois on the first Tuesday of the month at 10:00 am CST.  The Weekly Test will return to its normal schedule next week.

Please take a moment to practice your severe weather emergency sheltering plan during the weekly test.  At the very least, answer this question – Where would I take shelter if a tornado were approaching me right now? The best shelters are in a basement, or in an interior room on the lowest floor of the building away from windows and exterior doors.

It is important to have multiple ways to receive hazardous weather information. Having a battery backup weather alert radio is one of the best ways.