South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) will livestream a press conference hosted by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) on March 9 at 10:30 a.m. at the South Carolina Emergency Operations Center in West Columbia. The press conference will feature emergency management and state agency leaders discussing Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week, which takes place March 8–14.
Gov. Henry McMaster proclaimed March 8–14, 2026, as Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week in South Carolina. Residents are encouraged to use this time to learn more about the dangers associated with severe storms, tornadoes and flash flooding, while taking the appropriate steps to prepare.
During the press conference, Brigadier General Christopher Hyman, South Carolina National Guard, and SCEMD Director Kim Stenson will be joined by John Quagliariello, National Weather Service (NWS), and Dr. Hope Mizzell, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), to share updates on severe weather and flood awareness, preparation tools and safety measures.
Throughout the week, SCEMD, NWS and SCDNR will highlight different topics related to severe weather and flood safety:
- Sunday: Understanding Severe Weather Hazards
- Monday: Watches, Warnings and What They Mean
- Tuesday: Staying Informed and Connected
- Wednesday: Tornado Safety
- Thursday: Flood Risks Across South Carolina
- Friday: Turn Around, Don’t Drown and Home Safety Tips
- Saturday: Storm and Flood Recovery, Insurance Readiness
The annual statewide tornado drill, conducted in coordination between the South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the National Weather Service, is scheduled for March 11 at 9 a.m. During the drill, the National Weather Service will activate tone alerts on NOAA Weather Radio using the Required Weekly Test code. The exercise is designed to evaluate communication systems, safety procedures and overall preparedness efforts across the state. State and local emergency management officials encourage schools, businesses and organizations statewide to participate.
SCETV’s weather-related reporting and emergency response communications efforts extend across the state. SCETV closely monitors evolving weather conditions, ensuring timely updates during weather events through statewide, multiplatform coverage. Leveraging the South Carolina Emergency Information Network (SCEIN), a partnership with WUFT in Gainesville, FL, SCETV regularly delivers critical updates across its broadcast television and radio networks, on social media and online. Additionally, in collaboration with the SCEMD and the Governor’s Office, SCETV broadcasts and livestreams statewide press conferences and provides the latest information on state government office closings. For weather updates and preparedness resources, visit SCETV's dedicated weather page at SCETV.org/weather.
For further information on Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week, contact your county emergency management director, SCEMD or your nearest National Weather Service office. Additional resources can be found online at scemd.org/prepare and the National Weather Service website. The SC Emergency Manager mobile app also includes an earthquake map and allows users to sign up for alerts when seismic activity occurs. The app is free on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
The press conference for South Carolina Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week will livestream on the SCETV website, SCETV Facebook page and the SCETV News YouTube channel.
FAST FACTS
- SCETV will livestream the Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week press conference on March 9 at 10:30 a.m. from the South Carolina Emergency Operations Center in West Columbia.
- Gov. Henry McMaster has proclaimed March 8–14, 2026, as Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week in South Carolina.
- The press conference for South Carolina Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week will livestream on the SCETV website, SCETV Facebook page and the SCETV News YouTube channel.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
SCETV to livestream press conference for South Carolina Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week (PDF)
