Ohio to conduct statewide tornado drill on Wednesday
The state of Ohio will be conducting a statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, to recognize Severe Weather Awareness Week, designated by Governor Mike DeWine as March 15 through March 21.
The drill will begin at 9:50 a.m., according to a news release.
Ohioans are asked to participate in the drill, practicing their emergency shelter-in-place procedures. Furthermore, counties could take this time to test their warning sirens and mass notification systems.
"The statewide tornado drill is a great time for Ohioans to practice safe sheltering before a real severe weather event occurs," said Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Sima Merick.
Merick continues," We encourage everyone to prepare ahead of severe weather - make a plan for safe sheltering and practice it."
In addition to tornadoes, Severe Weather Awareness Week looks to prepare residents for spring and summer weather hazards, like thunderstorms, high winds and floods.
"Severe Weather Awareness Week reminds us to be prepared and ready for weather events that can often happen without warning," said Governor DeWine.
DeWine also says that taking the time to review emergency plans can make all the difference when severe weather happens.
Updates on Severe Weather Awareness Week can be found on the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness Facebook page here.
