2016 Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Drills
Scheduled for Thursday April 14, 2016
The 2016 Tornado Drills will consist of a mock tornado watch and a mock tornado warning issued for all of Wisconsin. This is a great opportunity for your school, business and community to practice your emergency plans.
DRILL SCHEDULE:
1:00 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).
2:00 p.m. – End of 1:45 p.m. mock tornado warning drill
6:55 p.m. – National Weather Service issues a mock tornado warning for all of Wisconsin.
The tornado drills will take place even if the sky is cloudy, dark and/or rainy. If actual severe storms are expected in the state today, the tornado drills will be postponed until tomorrow with the same times. If severe storms are possible tomorrow, the drills will be cancelled. Any changes will be issued to local media as well as posted on the ReadyWisconsin website at http://readywisconsin.wi.gov. Updates will also be posted on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ReadyWisconsin), Twitter (www.twitter.com/ReadyWisconsin) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/ReadyWisconsin).
Many local and state radio, TV and cable stations will be participating in the drills. Television viewers and radio station listeners will hear a message at 1:45 p.m. and 6:55 p.m. indicating that “This is a test.” The mock tornado warnings will last about one minute on radio and TV stations across Wisconsin and when the test is finished, stations will return to normal programming.
In addition, alerts for both the mock tornado watch and warnings will be issued over NOAA weather radios. Be sure your weather radio is turned on for this test. If the alarm on your weather radio does not go off for this test, check your weather radio’s programming and quality of reception.
This is a great opportunity for you to practice your tornado emergency plan with family, friends, and co-workers. Schools will also participate in the drill. During storm season – follow this message: Listen, Act and Live. Don’t ignore watches and warnings. Listen and take action. Every second counts. Don’t wait… go to a safe place right away!