Governor Mike Braun has declared March 8-14 Severe Weather Preparedness Week 2026
Quick Tips
- Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, including phone alerts and a NOAA weather radio.
- Understand the difference between a watch (be prepared) and a warning (take action).
- Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Never drive through flooded roadways.
- Know your safe shelter location, such as a basement or interior room away from windows.
- Prepare an emergency kit and family communication plan before storms develop.
Storms, floods and tornadoes are common occurrences for Hoosiers. Practice these tips below to stay prepared for these weather events and not only minimize their effects, but also save lives.
Statewide Tornado Drill
Every Hoosier business, school and family should participate in the statewide tornado drill each year. The drill allows you to practice where to go, what to do and what to take so you are prepared in the event of a real tornado warning.
At about 10:15 a.m. Eastern on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, NWS will issue a test tornado warning alert, which will be shared through most notification systems, including the statewide Emergency Alert System (EAS).
Wherever you are at that time, practice your tornado safety plan. There will be no follow-up alerts issued by the NWS to mark the end of the statewide tornado drill. It ends when your business, school or family feels that you have adequately practiced your safety procedures.
Lightning strikes in Marion County, June 2010
The Importance of Weather Alerts
- Wireless emergency alerts on cell phones
- Battery or solar power operated weather radio
- Television or local weather broadcasts
- Trusted weather apps and local emergency alerts
Tornado damage in Henryville, March 2012
Types of Weather Alerts
Weather alerts are issued to notify the public about potential or ongoing hazardous conditions. These alerts help people understand when severe weather is possible and when immediate action is required.
Common alert types include:
- Watches – Conditions are favorable for severe weather. Stay informed and be prepared to act.
- Warnings – Severe weather is occurring or will occur soon. Take protective action immediately.
Understanding these alerts helps residents respond quickly and appropriately when severe weather threatens.
Watch vs. Warning: Floods, Tornadoes and Severe Thunderstorms
Understanding the difference between watches and warnings is one of the most important steps in severe weather preparedness.
- Tornado Watch
- Conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. Review your shelter plan and monitor weather updates.
- Tornado Warning
- A tornado has been sighted or detected by radar. Take shelter immediately in a basement or interior room away from windows.
- Flood Watch
- Flooding is possible due to heavy rain or rising water levels. Stay alert and monitor forecasts.
- Flood Warning
- Flooding is occurring or expected soon. Move to higher ground and avoid flooded areas.
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch
- Conditions are favorable for storms capable of producing damaging winds, hail or heavy rain.
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Severe storms are occurring or imminent. Seek shelter and stay away from windows. When a warning is issued, it is time to act.
Widespread flooding statewide, June 2008
Emergency Kits
Severe weather can disrupt power, transportation and communications. Having an emergency kit prepared in advance helps ensure your household has essential supplies if you need to shelter in place.
Basic emergency kits should include:
- Water and nonperishable food
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First aid supplies
- Necessary medications
- Phone chargers and backup power sources
- Copies of important documents
Emergency kits should be stored in an easily accessible location and checked periodically to replace expired items.
Family Communication Plans
During severe weather or other emergencies, family members may be separated or unable to communicate immediately. A family communication plan ensures everyone knows what to do and how to reconnect.
Your plan should include:
- Emergency contact numbers for family members
- A designated meeting location in case of evacuation becomes necessary
- Information on local shelters or safe locations
- Instructions for children on who to contact if separated
Review your plan regularly and ensure all household members understand their role.
Tornado in White County, May 2017
Tornado in White County, May 2017
Become a Storm Spotter
The National Weather Service (NWS) offers free storm spotter trainings during the spring. These classes teach you what county officials and NWS need to know from spotters to issue warnings accurately.
Look up your NWS office and then select from the list below to view trainings near you:
Websites
- Disaster Kits
Indiana Department of Homeland Security - Disaster Plans
Indiana Department of Homeland Security - Flood Insurance
State of Indiana - Lightning Safety Tips
Indiana Department of Homeland Security - Severe Weather and Flood Preparedness Week
National Weather Service - Tornado Shelters
Indiana Department of Homeland Security
