COLUMBIA - The National Weather Service has delayed the statewide tornado drill until Thursday due to the possibility of severe weather at the beginning of the week.

State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex is encouraging schools statewide to participate in the drill, originally scheduled for Tuesday. In addition, many nursing homes, hospitals, county and municipal agencies, and amateur radio operators also are expected to participate. The drill tests the information-dissemination system for weather warnings, and it gives participants the opportunity to test their safety plans.

Severe Weather Awareness Week for 2008 will be observed through Saturday in South Carolina.

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the National Weather Service jointly sponsor the week to remind people that severe storms, tornadoes and flash floods are significant hazards in South Carolina and people need to take proper safety precautions.

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the National Weather Service are promoting awareness of tone alert weather radios around the state. Tone alert radios activate automatically when the National Weather Service issues a severe weather watch or warning. Through the use of these life safety devices the public could gain valuable time to take protective action for life and property before severe weather strikes.

For further information on Severe Weather Awareness Week, contact your county emergency management agency, the State Emergency Management Division or your nearest National Weather Service office.