Severe Weather Awareness Week is underway across Nebraska from March 23 through 27, encouraging residents to prepare for potentially dangerous weather conditions common during the spring and summer months.
Each day of the week highlights a specific severe weather threat. Monday focuses on lightning safety, reminding residents, “When thunder roars, go indoors.” Tuesday highlights tornado safety, encouraging people to know their safe rooms and understand warning systems. Wednesday emphasizes preparedness, including reviewing emergency kits and communication plans. Thursday focuses on hail and straight-line wind safety during severe storms, and Friday highlights flood safety with the reminder, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
As part of the week, the North Platte 911 Center will participate in the annual statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. During the drill, alerts will be broadcast through NOAA Weather Radio, and outdoor warning sirens will be activated. The drill gives schools, businesses, and residents an opportunity to practice their emergency response plans.
Officials encourage the public to take the drill seriously and review key safety steps, including understanding the difference between a watch and a warning. A watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather, while a warning means to take action immediately. Residents are also urged to find shelter quickly in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows, and to avoid large open areas such as gymnasiums. In addition, building an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, and a battery-powered weather radio can help ensure safety during severe weather events.
The North Platte Police Department thanked the community for staying prepared, informed, and resilient, emphasizing that public safety remains a top priority.