Severe weather awareness week begins in SC

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — State officials hope that a week of awareness about severe weather will help South Carolinians be prepared if a big storm hits.

Severe weather awareness week began Sunday. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the National Weather Service will spend this week reminding people that severe storms, tornadoes and flash floods are significant hazards in the state.

State officials are encouraging schools to participate in an annual tornado drill Tuesday. Organizers hope it will be a good test of communication systems and safety procedures necessary when serve weather strikes.