Washington County Recognized as “StormReady” by National Weather Service

Washington County has officially joined the National Weather Service’s StormReady program, a federal initiative that helps communities strengthen their readiness for extreme weather events.

Commissioner Tony Cardwell confirmed that he installed the county’s new StormReady sign outside the west entrance of the courthouse on Monday, July 21.

The designation comes after extensive preparation by local officials, specifically Emergency Management Agency Director Deniseann Stempowski. “Getting the CodeRED system gave a way for all residents of Washington County (if they choose) to be alerted in all types of emergencies,” Stempowski said. “This was one of the requirements that had to be met.”

Stempowski, who has been SKYWARN certified for 40 years, said she didn’t have to complete additional weather certification but did tour a National Weather Service office and go through an interview process. “The results are then sent up the NWS chain to get approval,” she said. “We were awarded that StormReady status last year.”

She added that the designation brings real-world benefits: “It gives homeowners the opportunity to add flood insurance to their home policies at a discount — as long as their agency recognizes StormReady.”

According to the National Weather Service, the StormReady program is designed to arm communities with the tools and knowledge necessary to improve communication and safety before, during, and after severe weather. The program requires communities to meet several criteria, including:

• Establishing a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center

• Maintaining multiple methods of receiving and distributing severe weather alerts

• Monitoring weather conditions locally

• Promoting public readiness through seminars

• Developing a formal hazardous weather plan, including spotter training and emergency drills

“StormReady uses a grassroots approach to help communities develop plans to handle all types of extreme weather—from tornadoes to winter storms,” the NWS states.

The announcement follows a series of damaging floods that have impacted areas across Washington County in recent months. The StormReady designation aims to better equip local agencies and residents for such events in the future.