Emergency Managers Letter

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

February, 2006

County Emergency Management Official/Director,

The National Weather Service, American Red Cross and the Kansas Emergency Management agency, again request your participation in " Kansas Severe Weather Awareness Week" activities from March 13 - 17, 2006.

The annual statewide tornado drill will take place around 130 PM, Tuesday, March 14, with a backup date of Thursday, March 16. An optional evening drill will also be held in parts of the state. Check with your local National Weather Service office for details.

2005 was another record setting year for tornadoes in Kansas.A total of 135 tornadoes occurred across the state -a whopping 80 above normal! The month of June had 50 tornadoes which is the 3^rd greatest number for the month since 1950. Despite having this many tornadoes, no one in Kansas lost their life from tornadoes this past year and unbelievably there were no injuries! This has to a tribute to the excellent preparedness, organization and warning system in Kansas.
The typical peak season for tornadoes in Kansas occurs during the months of April, May and June. In 2005 there were 19 tornadoes in November, which is the highest November total since 1950. And already this year there were three tornadoes in January, the first January occurrence since at least 1950! WOW!

What will 2006 bring in the way of severe weather and tornadoes to Kansas? The answer is unknown, but we do know that we must be ready and prepared - even if there is only one severe weather event.
As always, we look forward to working with you in our annual severe weather preparedness partnership program. Please make contact if you have any questions or comments.

KANSAS SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK

MARCH 13 - 17, 2006

National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office