November 17, 2025

Columbus, OH – As part of the 2026 Severe Weather Awareness campaign, the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (OCSWA), in cooperation with the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (EMA), are announcing that the annual Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest is open for submissions.

This contest is open to all Ohio students in kindergarten through eighth grade including individualized instruction (special education), public, private, and home school classes.

This poster contest encourages students to learn about severe weather safety and preparedness. Through their illustrations of Ohio severe weather events (tornadoes, thunderstorms, flooding, etc.), students can demonstrate what actions they can take before, during, and after severe weather events to protect themselves and others.

“Ohio can see many weather events all year-round,” said Ohio EMA Director Sima Merick. “This contest provides an opportunity for students in Ohio to use their creative skills to learn about severe weather safety and preparedness.”

All poster entries must be postmarked to Ohio EMA or e-mailed by Jan. 12, 2026.

To learn more about the 2026 Ohio Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest including the complete contest rules and entry form, visit the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness website.