RALEIGH-- Governor Pat McCrory has declared the week of March 7th, 2016, "Severe Weather Week" in North Carolina.

As recent winter weather events have shown us these past few months,  North Carolinians are at risk for tornadoes, flash flooding and severe thunderstorms.

McCrory encourages everyone in the state to make an emergency plan for their families, prepare an emergency supply kit, and be sure to listen for weather alerts.

On Wednesday, people in schools and government buildings all across North Carolina plan to practice tornado drills.

Last year alone, our state suffered through 9 tornados, 133 cases of flash flooding and more than 500 severe thunderstorms, costing more than $12 million dollars worth of damage.