Statewide tornado drills scheduled for Thursday

MADISON, Wis. — Schools, businesses, families and individuals have two opportunities to test their emergency plans during statewide tornado drills Thursday.

A mock tornado watch will be issued at 1 p.m. followed by a statewide mock tornado warning at 1:45 p.m. Radio and TV stations across the state will issue the test tornado warnings. In addition, mock alerts will be issued on NOAA Weather Radios and many communities will sound their tornado sirens to test their emergency severe weather plans. Later, a mock tornado warning will be issued at 6:45 p.m. to give families and second shift workers a chance to practice their emergency plans.

The drills are part of the annual spring severe weather campaign to encourage everyone in Wisconsin to be ready for possible tornadoes and severe weather.

According to the National Weather Service, Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually.
Last year, there were 16 tornado touchdowns in the state.

The tornado drill will take place even if the sky is cloudy, dark and or rainy. If actual severe storms are expected in the state, the tornado drills will be postponed until Friday with the same times. If severe storms are possible Friday the drills will be cancelled.

DRILL SCHEDULE

1 p.m. – National Weather Service issues a mock tornado watch for all of Wisconsin. A watch means tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms.

1:45 p.m. – National Weather Service issues mock tornado warning for all of Wisconsin. A warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated on weather radar. Move to a safe place immediately.

2 p.m. – End of 1:45 p.m. mock tornado warning drill

6:45 p.m. – National Weather Service issues a mock tornado warning for all of Wisconsin.

7 p.m. – End of 6:45 p.m. mock tornado warning drill

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