One of the most violent March storm systems in recent memory tore across the country this weekend, producing a major tornado outbreak in the Midwest and South, blinding dust storms on the Plains, and wind-driven wildfires in Oklahoma and Texas. Dozens of lives were lost, and hundreds of thousands of customers were left without power from the Plains to the Southeast.

One System, Every Hazard

This storm showed how a single powerful low-pressure system can threaten the grid in three different ways at once: tornadoes and straight-line winds snapping poles, dust and debris shorting equipment, and fires forcing preemptive shutoffs. Spring storm season is arriving with force, and the outages that come with it can last days in hard-hit areas.

Preparing for Severe Weather Season

• Inspect your standby generator now, at the start of the season, and confirm automatic operation.
• Run a test cycle to verify a clean start and transfer.
• Make sure natural gas or propane connections are serviced and secure.
• Consider an upgrade. Whole-home backup solutions from Generac and Kohler protect your family through multi-day outages.

Stay Informed

The Storm Prediction Center highlights severe weather risks days in advance. Make checking the outlook part of your routine this spring.