Board proclaims Severe Weather Awareness Week; emergency management warns of flood and landslide risks

Hamilton County commissioners on March 5 adopted a proclamation declaring March 15–20, 2026, as Severe Weather Awareness Week and urged residents to prepare for tornadoes, flooding and thunderstorms. The proclamation encouraged registration for the county emergency notification system, Alert Hamilton County, and public education on preparedness.

President Stephanie Summer O'Dumas read the proclamation and invited emergency-management staff to speak. Commissioners praised the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency for preparedness work; Vice President Alicia Reese said recent events make awareness urgent.

Nick (introduced by the board and speaking on behalf of emergency management) described current conditions: “Well, I just it's always a little bit ironic when we come in for severe weather awareness and we're sitting under a flood watch and a flood warning over the Over the Great Miami.” He listed threats including riverine and flash flooding, landslides in saturated soils and the potential for extreme heat later in the year, and urged multi-jurisdictional planning and readiness.

Commissioners said the county is pursuing funding and supports the agency’s outreach; they asked staff to continue coordination across the county’s 49 jurisdictions and with state and federal partners. The board also noted staff work to compile educational materials and maintain Alert Hamilton County notifications.