February 3 - 7, 2025
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This year (2025), Georgia will recognize the week of February 3 - 7 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week. Severe weather is no stranger to the state. The past few years have brought a number of higher-impact severe weather events to the region. Some recent high-impact severe weather events that have affected the region include the January 12th Tornado Outbreak where more than a dozen tornadoes (some strong / EF2+) swept mainly across parts of central Georgia. Some other major severe weather events over the past few years include:
As we approach what is typically the most active part of the year for severe weather, Severe Weather Preparedness Week provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the dangers of severe weather and know how and when to take proper actions when severe weather is expected and hits. Please take the time now to review your home, school, or business preparedness plans. Each day is dedicated to a different topic that addresses severe weather preparedness. Throughout the week, the topics to be covered include:
- Monday - Family Preparedness (NWR + Wireless Emergency Alerts)
- Tuesday - Thunderstorm Safety (Hail & Damaging Wind Threats/Impacts)
- Wednesday - Tornado Safety **NWR TEST Warning Message - 9:30 AM**
- Thursday - Lightning Safety
- Friday - Flash Flooding/Flood Safety
It is important to note that severe weather, including tornadoes, can happen year-round in Georgia, even in the winter. The graph below shows that despite a clear peak in the Spring, tornadoes are also quite common in the Fall and Winter months as well!
An important aspect of severe weather warnings includes information from the public and spotters. Not only do timely and accurate storm reports help the National Weather Service verify warnings, but they also help meteorologists better relate radar data with corresponding observed weather. If you observe hail (quarter-sized or larger), strong/damaging winds, or a funnel cloud/tornado anywhere across north and central Georgia, please report it to the National Weather Service (Peachtree City/Atlanta Office) at 1-866-763-4466 or by using our online storm report form. To learn more about our local Skywarn spotter program, visit the Storm Spotter Information page.