Severe weather week set to begin

By Staff
The Franklin County Emergency Management Agency will be leading the county in observing severe weather awareness week beginning today.
Governor Bob Riley and Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen have designated this week as one of preparation and learning so that Tennessee Valley residents are prepared during tornadoes, damaging winds, flash floods, lightning and hail.
Monday will be used to take a look at severe thunderstorms which often create wind speeds in the excess of 100 miles per hour in this area. On Tuesday, the agency will be stressing the significance of lightning and its devastating effects.
Sometime during the day Wednesday, there will be a state-wide tornado drill.
These drills have lead to an increase in tornado survivors through the years. The drill will be held Friday if any possible severe weather does not permit it to be held on Wednesday.
Thursday will be used to examine the hazards of flash flooding which is the number one killer in the United States. Flash floods are most prevalent in the eastern half of Tennessee, while river flooding is more common in the western sections.
Friday will be the NOAA weather radio and emergency alert system day.
Severe weather awareness week is held every spring in Alabama. Typically, the most active times for tornadoes in the state are April and November.