The city of Bridgeport was recognized as a 'StormReady' community today by the National Weather Service(NWS).

The title means the NWS considers the city as prepared as possible to handle severe weather. City leaders say the tornado that ripped through the area in 2010 motivated them to push for the 'StormReady' distinction.

In order to receive the distinction, the city had to meet certain criteria, including having a 24-hour emergency operations center, a hazardous weather plan and a way to notify residents of severe weather.