Severe Weather Information

Current Status

Monday, March 16: All Wake County facilities and operations are open on normal schedule except the following:

• Out of an abundance of caution, Wake County parks and preserves will be closed to the public for the remainder of the day.
• Today's scheduled meeting of the Wake County Board of Commissioners has been postponed until Thursday, March 19, at 2 p.m.
• Athens Drive Community Library is closed today because Wake County Public Schools are closed.
   

For ongoing updates and more information, visit this page, wake.gov/weather. Learn more about how to prepare for emergencies and sign up for alerts at ReadyWake.com.

Tornado Safety Information

A severe storm bringing possible tornadoes is predicted in Wake County today, March 16, 2026. To keep you and your family safe, emergency management officials recommend you be informed and have a plan in case you receive a tornado warning.

• Be Informed:
  • Make sure you have emergency alerts enabled on your cell phone so you can get warnings.
  • Make sure you have multiple ways to receive alerts. Sign up for ReadyWake alerts at www.readywake.com.
    • Additional resources like weather radios are also recommended.
  • Check reputable sources of information for the latest updates, including the National Weather Service, local media and local emergency management pages.
• Have a Plan
  • Where will you go when the weather gets bad?
  • Where will you seek shelter?
  • How will you be informed?
  • Does your entire family know the plan?
• What do you do in a tornado warning?
  • At Your House: If you are in a tornado warning, go to your basement, safe room or an interior room away from windows. Don't forget pets if time allows.
  • At Your Workplace or School: Follow your tornado drill procedure. Proceed to your tornado shelter location quickly and calmly. Stay away from windows and do not go to large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums or auditoriums.
  • Outside: Seek shelter inside a sturdy building immediately if a tornado is approaching. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Neither is a mobile home or tent. If you have time, get to a safe building.
  • In a vehicle: Being in a vehicle during a tornado is not safe. The best course of action is to drive to the closest shelter. If you are unable to make it to a safe shelter, leave your car and seek shelter in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine.
  • If you are in a wheelchair: Get away from windows and go to an interior room inside a sturdy structure. If possible, seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk and cover your head.
  • If you are unable to move from a bed: Protect yourself from falling objects by covering up with blankets and pillows.