CHATHAM COUNTY, NC— Chatham County Emergency Management joins North Carolina Emergency Management urging residents to prepare for severe weather that may occur with little to no warning.

March 1-7, 2026, is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in North Carolina. Chatham County officials recommend all residents to practice their emergency plan in case severe weather strikes our state.

“The best way you can protect you and your family from severe weather is by creating a family emergency plan, building a disaster supply kit, and staying alert to local radio, television or a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) radio for information on severe weather,” said Mike Reitz, Chatham County Emergency Operations Director.

Severe thunderstorms develop rapidly, but they can also bring hail, flash floods and tornadoes.

Individuals are also encouraged to participate in the statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 4, at 9:30 a.m. The National Weather Service (NWS) will broadcast the drill over NOAA weather radio stations and the Emergency Alert System.

“We encourage all county residents, organizations, and businesses to participate in the drill. An important part of being prepared and knowing what to do is practicing your plan for when severe weather strikes,” Reitz said. “The time you take now to prepare will make all the difference if and when a disaster happens.”
In 2025, the NWS issued 37 tornado warnings for North Carolina and recorded 16 tornado touchdowns. There were 226 flood incidents across the state. In addition, the NWS issued 682 severe thunderstorm warnings and recorded 113 large hail events and 710 damaging thunderstorm wind events.

Chatham County Emergency Management officials recommend having a family emergency plan in place so all members know where to go, who to call, and what to do during a disaster. Officials also recommend staying alert by listening to weather radios that broadcast alerts from the National Weather Service.
Emergency officials recommend residents use the following safety tips:

• Know the terms: WATCH means a tornado is possible. WARNING means a tornado is imminent or already occurring; take shelter immediately.
• Know where the nearest safe room is, such as a basement or interior room and away from windows and go there immediately if you hear or see a tornado.
• If driving, you should leave your vehicle immediately to seek safety in an adequate structure. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle, and do not stop under an overpass or a bridge.
• If you are outdoors, and there is no shelter available, take cover in a low-lying flat area. Watch out for flying debris.
• Following a storm, wear sturdy shoes, long sleeves and gloves when walking on or near debris, and be aware of exposed nails and broken glass.
• Be aware of damaged power or gas lines and electrical systems that may cause fires, electrocution or explosions.

More information on tornadoes and overall emergency preparedness can be found online at www.readychatham.org or www.ReadyNC.gov.