On December 10, 2021, severe storms and six confirmed tornadoes in Missouri killed two people and destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes and buildings, as well as 20 large transmission towers and lines that move power between Missouri and Arkansas.

The storm system serves as another reminder that deadly tornadoes can strike any time of year.

According to a news release, the week of March 7 to 11, the National Weather Service, State Emergency Management Agency and local emergency managers encourage Missourians to learn more about severe weather and how to protect themselves during Missouri Severe Weather Preparedness Week.

SEMA officials say Missouri’s annual Statewide Tornado Drill will also be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 8. (Some Missouri communities may choose to conduct the drill on a different day due to conflicting local events.)

Schools, businesses and families are all encouraged to participate in the statewide tornado drill. Educators are encouraged to use the tornado drill as an opportunity to include tornado facts, meteorological information and safety tips into their lesson plans.

State Emergency Management Agency Director Jim Remillard says, “Although many Missourians associate severe weather with the spring and summer months, there is no tornado season. Dangerous and sometimes deadly tornadoes, thunderstorms and flooding can happen year-round. That’s why it’s incredibly important to have an emergency plan in place and talk to your family about when to take action before severe weather strikes your area.”

NWS provides safety tips and educational information about tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, lightning and the importance of NOAA Weather Radios on its Severe Weather Awareness Week page. More information can be found on Missouri’s Stormaware.mo.gov website.