The 2013 Tornado Drill will consist of a mock tornado watch and a mock tornado warning for all of Wisconsin on Thursday, April 18, 2013. 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 mock tornado watch/warning drill
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 on Thursday, April 18, the tornado drill will be postponed until Friday, April 19 with the same times. If severe storms are possible Friday, the drill will be cancelled. Information on the status of the drill will be posted at ReadyWisconsin.wi.gov.
Most local and state radio, TV and cable stations will be participating in the drill. Television viewers and radio station listeners will hear a message at 1:45 p.m. indicating that “This is a test.” The mock tornado warning 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 warning will be issued over NOAA weather radios.
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!
The drill will also occur at the same time in Minnesota and will be broadcast on radio and TV stations in that state as well.