CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW)- Monday began Severe Weather Preparedness Week in the state of Virginia.  Across the Commonwealth, local weather stations are educating their communities on important topics surrounding severe weather events regarding preparation, understanding, and safety. 

Since 2021, the National Weather Service Station in Wakefield, Virginia has been producing short videos, each lasting around two minutes in length, about select subjects to teach not only the surrounding community, but also the whole state, about how to prepare and what to do during severe weather events.   

WCM Eric Seymour of Wakefield Station told Cville Right Now that though Severe Weather Preparedness Week in a state campaign, local stations are free to produce their materials for the campaign however they wish. 

2026’s program began Monday with a video of meteorologist Harry Thomas explaining the important differences between watches and warnings in the leadup to weather events. 

“Watches call attention to the presence of some or all the ingredients of a weather event,” Seymour explains, “warnings are issued when all of those ingredients come together.” 

Tuesday’s information focused on Tornadoes, showing that the kinds of storms common in Virginia are quite different than those often depicted in media, and are not as severe.  However, it remains important to complete all the necessary steps to prepare for a tornado regardless, especially considering Virginian tornadoes tend to be harder to see than those in the Midwest. 

“The focus of this week is thinking about the actions of preparedness,” Seymour emphasized. 

Wednesday’s lesson focuses on the hazards associated with thunderstorms, such as wind, hail, and of course, lightning. 

Thursday will feature the leading hazard for fatalities in Virginia, flash-flooding.   

Finally, Friday’s lesson is designed to prepare Virginians, especially on the coast, for those weather hazards they may occur while enjoying outdoor activities further inland, as the weather gets better and more pleasant into the spring months.  

The Wakefield Weather Station is available online to help with severe weather preparedness.