MANSFIELD — Mother Nature is not waiting for the official spring severe weather awareness week.
The National Weather Service office in Cleveland issued a hazardous weather outlook for north central Ohio on Thursday, even as Richland County commissioners proclaimed March 21-27 as awareness week for the usual spring storms.
The outlook comes in the form of wind and rain. There is a wind advisory in effect from Thursday at noon until Friday at 4 a.m. with gusts expected up to 50 miles an hour.
The weather forecasters also predicted 1.5 inches of rain for the area through Thursday night, that could result in rises on area rivers and create possible minor flooding.
It made the perfect backdrop for Richland County Emergency Management Agency Director Rick Evans to receive the proclamation, read aloud by Commissioner Cliff Mears.
The proclamation is a part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to maintain the county’s designation as “storm ready” by the NWS.
“Severe weather can and will impact Richland County no matter the season,” Evans said. “By bringing awareness to residents this week, we hope to instill that it’s a good time to review weather safety plans. It’s important to know what to do during a flood or lightning storm.
“Preparedness is the goal for surviving and thriving in a weather event,” Evans said.
Richland County will participate in the statewide tornado drill on March 24 at 9:50 a.m., almost two years to the date when a half-mile wide twister roared through Shelby, packing winds up to 125 miles per hour.
Evans said he recommends residents and businesses have emergency weather radios. The local EMA offers them at cost ($20) at the local office at 597 Park Ave. East. Cash and exact change are needed for the purchase.
He also recommended emergency preparedness kits with supplies needed should an emergency or disaster occur.
Evans also praised local weather watchers in Skywarn, residents trained by the NWS.
“They provide essential information to the National Weather Service to assist them in forecasting for our region,” Evans said. “The group has about 30 members. Anyone interested in joining can call our office at 419-774-5686 for information.”
