(AREA) — This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week and a number of communities throughout the state are participating in a statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, April 13 at 1:30 p.m. Government agencies, organizations, families and individuals are encouraged to review their severe weather preparedness. While tornadoes can occur during any time of the year, they are especially common during the late spring and early summer months. As one of nature’s most violent storms, they can devastate homes and property in just seconds. The average lead time for tornadoes to develop is 10 to 15 minutes, which means citizens need to be ready to react quickly when a warning is issued. By taking a few extra steps and participating in the statewide tornado drill, citizens and businesses will be ready well in advance if a tornado ever occurs. St. Clair County has experienced 23 tornadoes since 1950 with 2 occurring in 2015. Officials encourage citizens to take Severe Thunderstorm Warnings extremely serious. Several of the tornadoes confirmed in St. Clair County occurred when the county was not under a Tornado Warning. Households should plan ahead and know where to go and what to do in the case of a tornado or thunderstorm warning.
