Georgia Severe Weather Preparedness Week (February 5-9, 2024)

Georgia Severe Weather Preparedness Week
February 5 - 9, 2024

This year (2024), Georgia will recognize the week of February 5 - 9 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week. Severe weather is no stranger to the state. The past few years have brought a number of higher-impact severe weather events to the region. Several high-impact severe weather events affected the region in 2023, including the January 12th Tornado Outbreak where more than a dozen tornadoes (some strong / EF2+) swept across mainly parts of central Georgia. 2022 also had several active high-impact events. You can read more about the 2022 significant weather events below.

As we approach what is typically the most active part of the year for severe weather, Severe Weather Preparedness Week provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the dangers of severe weather, as well as knowing how and when to take proper actions when severe weather is expected and hits. Please take the time now to review your home, school, or businesses preparedness plans. Each day is dedicated to a different topic that addresses severe weather preparedness. Throughout the week, the topics to be covered include:

Monday - Family Preparedness (NWR + Wireless Emergency Alerts)
Tuesday - Thunderstorm Safety (Hail & Damaging Wind Threats/Impacts)
Wednesday - Tornado Safety **NWR TEST Warning Message - 9 AM**
Thursday - Lightning Safety
Friday - Flash Flooding/Flood Safety

It is important to note that severe weather, including tornadoes, can happen year round in Georgia, even in the winter. The graph below shows that despite a clear peak in the Spring, tornadoes are also quite common in the Fall and Winter months as well!

An important aspect of severe weather warnings includes the information received from the public and spotters. Not only do timely and accurate storm reports help the National Weather Service to verify warnings, but they also help meteorologists better relate radar data with corresponding observed weather. If you observe hail (quarter sized or larger), strong/damaging winds, or a funnel cloud/tornado anywhere across north and central Georgia, please report it to the National Weather Service (Peachtree City/Atlanta Office) at 1-866-763-4466 or by using our online storm report form. To learn more about our local Skywarn spotter program, visit the Storm Spotter Information page.

Interested in Further Preparation Resources?

Visit the JetStream Educational Page as well as the National Weather Service Safety pages!