Knox County Emergency Management Agency

04/08/2026

is a National Weather Service social media campaign that encourages people to identify and share their safe locations during severe weather, such as basements, storm shelters, or interior rooms. The goal is to promote preparedness and raise awareness of a “Weather-Ready Nation” across our communities.

04/04/2026

Be weather aware later on today, April 4 for more storms rolling in through Knox County. Remember, if there is standing water in the road, do not drive through it.

Thunderstorms are likely this afternoon and evening and some thunderstorms may be severe. Recent rainfall has resulted in saturated ground conditions which will make areas vulnerable to flash flooding. Thunderstorms are expected between 3 and 10 PM.

03/26/2026

Be weather aware for the evening and night of March 26 and early morning of the 27th!

Up to an enhanced risk (level 3 of 5) of severe t-storms exists today. A disturbance may trigger isolated severe storms in NE OH and NW PA late this afternoon, before a strong cold front likely triggers scattered severe storms later this afternoon into the evening in northern OH and NW PA. Stay Weather Aware and have a way to get warnings and alerts on your phone!

03/22/2026

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio until 12 AM EDT

03/21/2026

🌦️ Become a Weather Spotter

Did you know volunteers help report severe weather across Ohio?

SKYWARN Storm Spotters provide valuable real-time information to the National Weather Service during severe weather events.

📅 Date: April 16, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M.
📍 Location: Mount Vernon (exact location will be shared closer to the date) 📝 Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfAjcGh9bX3-soTAVJnDCYO4_XZfXn4tz-C2elY1LlLjD34kw/viewform

Cost: Free

Storm spotters help report:

• Tornadoes
• Funnel clouds
• Large hail
• Damaging winds
• Flooding

You don’t need to be a meteorologist — just someone interested in helping keep the community safe.

Community awareness helps keep Knox County prepared.

Please use this form to register for official NWS Cleveland SKYWARN training sessions. See our SKYWARN page at https://www.weather.gov/cle/SKYWARN for more information.

03/20/2026

🌧️ Flooding Is One of the Most Common Weather Hazards in Ohio

Flooding can happen quickly during heavy rain.

Never underestimate the power of moving water.

🚫 Turn Around, Don’t Drown

Just 6 inches of water can knock an adult off their feet.
Just 12 inches of water can carry away a vehicle.

If you encounter a flooded road:

✔ Turn around
✔ Find another route
✔ Never drive through floodwaters

Floodwaters can hide:

• Washed-out roads
• Debris
• Open ditches

Stay safe and never drive into flooded areas.

03/19/2026

⛈️ Severe Thunderstorms Are More Dangerous Than You Think

Thunderstorms can bring:

• Damaging winds
• Large hail
• Lightning
• Tornadoes

⚡ Lightning Safety

If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

Remember:

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors

Avoid:

❌ Open fields
❌ Tall trees
❌ Metal structures
❌ Water

Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back outside.

Lightning strikes the United States millions of times every year — don’t take the risk.

03/18/2026

🌪 Statewide Tornado Drill Today – 9:50 AM

Today is the Ohio Statewide Tornado Drill.

At 9:50 AM, Knox County may activate outdoor warning sirens as part of the test.

We encourage schools, businesses, and families to take a few minutes to practice their tornado safety plans.

🌪 Where should you go during a tornado warning?

Best locations:

✔ Basement
✔ Interior room on lowest floor
✔ Away from windows

Avoid:

❌ Vehicles
❌ Mobile homes
❌ Large open rooms like gyms

Practicing today helps everyone respond faster during real emergencies.

03/17/2026

📱 How Will You Receive Weather Alerts?

Severe weather can develop quickly in Ohio. Having multiple ways to receive alerts is one of the most important things you can do.

Ways Knox County residents can receive warnings:

📱 Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone (https://entry.inspironlogistics.com/knox_co_oh/wens.cfm)
📻 NOAA Weather Radio
📺 Local television weather alerts
📱 Local weather apps

Never rely on just one source.

⚠️ Important:
Outdoor warning sirens are designed to alert people who are outdoors. They are not meant to be heard inside every building.

Make sure you have indoor alert methods, especially overnight.

03/16/2026

⚠️ Severe Weather Awareness Week Tip: Watches vs. Warnings

Understanding weather alerts can help keep you safe.

WATCH
Conditions are favorable for severe weather. Stay alert and be ready to take action.

WARNING
Severe weather is happening or about to happen. Take shelter immediately.

Examples:
🌪 Tornado Watch – Tornadoes are possible
🌪 Tornado Warning – Tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar

When a warning is issued in Knox County:

• Move indoors immediately
• Go to a basement or interior room
• Stay away from windows

Having multiple ways to receive alerts is critical.

Stay weather aware.

03/15/2026

🌩️ Severe Weather Awareness Week Starts Today

Severe Weather Awareness Week runs March 15–21, and it’s a great time for Knox County residents to prepare for Ohio’s severe weather season.

Ohio can experience tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flooding, and lightning — sometimes with little warning.

Preparedness starts with three simple steps:

✔ Build an emergency kit
✔ Make a family emergency plan
✔ Know where to shelter during severe weather

Make sure your emergency kit includes:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• NOAA Weather Radio
• First aid kit
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable food
• Phone chargers

📅 Reminder: The Statewide Tornado Drill will take place Wednesday at 9:50 AM.

Follow Knox County EMA all week for daily severe weather safety tips.

Preparedness today can make all the difference tomorrow.