Wisconsin Emergency Management, the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) have teamed up to sponsor the statewide tornado drills on Thursday, April 11. According to the NWS, Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually. Last year, there were 33 tornado touchdowns in the state. This included 19 tornadoes on August 28, the second largest August tornado outbreak in Wisconsin weather history.
Schools, businesses, families, and individuals have two opportunities to test their emergency plans during statewide tornado drills on April 11. The drills are part of the annual spring severe weather campaign to encourage everyone to be ready for possible tornadoes and severe weather. At 1 p.m., a mock tornado watch will be issued followed by a statewide mock tornado warning at 1:45 p.m. A simulated tornado warning message will be issued on TV/cable, NOAA Weather Radios, and radio stations. The City's outdoor warning sirens will sound at that time signaling the beginning of the statewide tornado drill.
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. For more information, visit the Ready Wisconsin link for information on the drill and tornado safety.
These drills will be taking place in spite of the winter weather predicted for April 11.