National Weather Service Urges Severe Weather Preparedness

Agency declares this week as Severe Weather Preparedness Week to encourage readiness ahead of spring threats.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The National Weather Service has declared this week as Severe Weather Preparedness Week, urging people in Illinois and across the country to take steps to prepare for the impending arrival of spring storms and severe weather. The agency's warning coordination meteorologist emphasized the importance of designating a safe location in homes, assembling emergency kits, and staying weather-aware through tools like weather radios.

Why it matters

Severe weather can pose significant risks to public safety, causing property damage, power outages, and even loss of life. By promoting preparedness, the National Weather Service aims to empower communities to be better equipped to withstand and respond to dangerous storms, reducing the potential impact.

The details

Ed Shimon, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the NWS Lincoln Office, stressed that being prepared can help alleviate fear and anxiety when severe weather strikes. He recommended that people designate a safe location in their homes, practice getting to that location quickly, and assemble emergency kits with essential supplies like water, food, flashlights, and medications. Shimon also emphasized the importance of having a weather radio, which can provide instant alerts from the National Weather Service when dangerous conditions are imminent.

  • Severe Weather Preparedness Week is being observed this week (March 4-10, 2026).
  • The arrival of spring typically brings an increased risk of severe weather threats in the coming months.

The players

National Weather Service

The National Weather Service is a government agency that is responsible for weather forecasting and issuing warnings about severe weather events in the United States.

Ed Shimon

The Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the NWS Lincoln Office, who provided guidance and recommendations for severe weather preparedness.

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What they’re saying

“Fear comes from the unknown, and if you feel prepared and you know that you're going to do the best you can to protect yourself, that's all you can ask.”

— Ed Shimon, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, NWS Lincoln Office (933thedrive.com)

“That's your own personal weather alarm system. When we issue products, those weather radios are going to go off within seconds of us actually alerting in that particular location.”

— Ed Shimon, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, NWS Lincoln Office (933thedrive.com)

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor weather patterns and issue alerts and warnings as necessary throughout the spring season to help keep communities safe.

The takeaway

Severe weather preparedness is crucial for protecting lives and property, and the National Weather Service's efforts to raise awareness and provide guidance can empower individuals and communities to be better equipped to respond to dangerous storms.