S.C. Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week March 8-14, 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C.— Governor Henry McMaster has designated March 8–14, 2026, as South Carolina Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week.

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is partnering with the National Weather Service and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to promote awareness of the dangers associated with severe storms, tornadoes and flash flooding, while urging residents to take appropriate steps to stay safe.

Throughout the week, SCEMD, NWS, and SCDNR will highlight different topics related to severe weather and flood safety:

Sunday: Understanding Severe Weather Hazards

Monday: Watches, Warnings and What They Mean

Tuesday: Staying Informed and Connected

Wednesday: Tornado Safety

Thursday: Flood Risks Across South Carolina

Friday: Turn Around, Don’t Drown and Home Safety Tips

Saturday: Storm and Flood Recovery, Insurance Readiness

One of the week’s key events will be the annual statewide tornado drill, conducted in coordination with the National Weather Service. The drill is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, at 9 a.m., at which time the National Weather Service will activate tone alerts on NOAA Weather Radio utilizing the Required Weekly Test code, or RWT. The drill is designed to evaluate communication systems, safety procedures and preparedness measures statewide. State and local emergency management officials are encouraging schools, businesses and others across the state to take part.

For further information on Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week, contact your county emergency management director, SCEMD or your nearest National Weather Service office. Additional resources can be found online at scemd.org/prepare/ and https://www.weather.gov/cae/SC_Severe_Weather_Preparedness_Week. The SC Emergency Manager App is also an effective tool to help individuals plan and prepare for emergencies. It is free to download in the App Store and Google Play.

What to do during severe weather: https://scemd.org/prepare/types-of-disasters/thunderstorms/

Before, During and After a Tornado: https://scemd.org/prepare/types-of-disasters/tornadoes/

Flood Safety: https://scemd.org/prepare/types-of-disasters/floods/