Ohio Tornado Drill Marks Beginning of Severe Weather Season

Remember, this is only a test.

Tornado sirens blared at 9:50 a.m. in a statewide drill on Wednesday ordered by Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week.

In his proclamation, the governor says it’s essential for Ohioans to know what to do and be prepared for a tornado, or any weather emergency. He says the heavy rains and flooding seen over the past year have shown just how destructive weather can be.

State officials say while tornadoes can occur at any time, April through July are the peak months in Ohio. They also note that twisters usually occur between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Last year, the state recorded a dozen tornadoes.