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The National Weather Service in Burlington has declared this week National Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Since severe weather doesn't occur in the northeast usually until the summer months, meteorologists from offices all across the Northeast and New York thought it would be best to use this week in early May to prepare families for potentially severe weather down the road.

Residents of the northeast can use this time to put together action plans now, so they can ensure the safety of their families when severe weather hits this summer.

Weather Coordinating Meteorologist Scott Whittier from NWS Burlington told News 7 that; "Severe Weather Awareness Week is to highlight the dangers of severe thunderstorms as well as the possibility of tornadoes that can occur. Flash floods have a long history here in Vermont."

Throughout the week, the Burlington weather office will be issuing statements concerning high impact weather events such as thunderstorms, lightning tornados and flash flooding.