Today, March 3, 2025, kicks off National Severe Weather Preparedness Week. With the spring season on the way, severe weather season is just around the corner. Peak tornado months typically run from April to June in Kansas but can happen as early as March.

In coordination with the National Weather Service, Johnson County Emergency Management will promote on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter, preparedness themes each day to highlight different disaster scenarios. They include:

• Monday, March 3: Having a Plan
• Tuesday, March 4: Flooding
• Wednesday, March 5: Tornadoes
• Thursday, March 6: Wind and Hail
• Friday, March 7: Lightning

On Tuesday, March 4 at 10 a.m. will by the countywide test of NotifyJoCo. Those who have signed up for NotifyJoCo will receive a test message, based on the communication preferences selected (phone call, text, email). Residents are encouraged to sign up for NotifyJoCo or review their account details ahead of the test. Register or sign in at notifyjoco.org.

On Wednesday, March 5 at 11 a.m. will be a statewide tornado drill. A live tornado warning will not be broadcast on the NOAA Weather Radio, but residents are encouraged to take this time to practice safety plans.

Update: The monthly outdoor warning siren test has been rescheduled for next Wednesday, March 12 at 11 a.m. We encourage those holding tornado drills at 11 a.m. on March 5 to please practice your plans then or participate next Wednesday during the rescheduled siren test.

On the county’s Severe Weather Guide, you can find resources to prepare for severe weather. When there’s an active threat of severe weather, the county will use this webpage to keep visitors informed of the latest on the storm and any county service-related impacts.

Johnson County Emergency Management has also launched a new initiative designed to help businesses, organizations and community groups strengthen their emergency readiness. By joining the Partners in Preparedness Program, businesses and organizations will be recognized for their commitment to community preparedness and acknowledged as partners in fostering a culture of readiness.

Learn more about NWS Severe Weather Preparedness Week.