MADISON, Wis. — State officials plan to conduct an annual statewide tornado drill Thursday as part of Severe Weather Week.
Gov. Tony Evers declared the week of April 12-16 Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin to make sure Wisconsinites are prepared and ready for severe weather if and when it happens in their area.
Thursday’s statewide tornado drills are expected to happen at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Residents can participate in the drill by going to their designated tornado shelter during those times to practice.
“Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are a frequent weather threat across the state each year, and it’s important that people know what to do when the skies darken and warnings are issued,” Dr. Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Darrell L. Williams said. “During the statewide tornado drill, we ask everyone to practice their plan by going to their emergency shelter location.”
The National Weather Service will issue a routine test to weather radios during the scheduled drill times that will only be audible if radios are turned on. Some television and radio stations may break into coverage during drill times, but those decisions will vary. State officials said the use of tornado sirens during the tornado drills will also vary from community to community.
Residents are encouraged to set a reminder on their phones for the 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. drill times so they don’t miss it. Individuals can also share how they’re participating by using the #TornadoDrillWI hashtag on social media.
Read Evers’ Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week proclamation here.
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