Wisconsin residents may hear tornado sirens twice Thursday afternoon and evening, as part of the annual statewide tornado drill.
The National Weather Service said in a statement the drill will go on despite cloudy skies and the chance for rain, noting the chance for thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening is “little to none.”
The drill is part of Wisconsin’s Severe Weather Awareness Week, organized by the state’s NWS offices, Wisconsin Emergency Management and other agencies. It usually occurs in early April.
Here’s what to know:
When is the statewide tornado drill?
The statewide drill will occur on Thursday, April 10 at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to discuss and practice severe weather safety plans throughout the day.
What will happen during the drills?
During both drills, NWS offices will conduct NOAA Weather Radio tests — similar to weekly routine tests — and post on social media. Some local media may also participate by cutting into on-air programming or through social media posts.
Some municipalities may also sound their outdoor tornado sirens during the drills.
“However, it is expected many will instead rely on their regular testing schedules to ensure those devices are working properly,” WEM said on its website.
What will not happen during the drill?
The NWS will not send out a test tornado warning or watch during the drills.
Cell phone emergency alerts and push notifications will not go off, according to WEM.
Tornado safety tips:
Here are some tornado safety tips from WEM:
- Create an emergency plan and practice when able.
- Know where designated shelters are at home, work and school.
- Be ready to go to designated shelters when a tornado warning is issued.
- During tornado drills, practice where you’d go during a real warning.
- Have multiple ways to receive alerts about impending severe weather.
- Ensure mobile devices can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).
- Check daily forecasts.
- Create an emergency kit for your home.
You can find more tornado safety information on the WEM website.
Claire Reid contributed to this report.
