Wisconsin Schedules Statewide Tornado Drills on April 10

Wisconsin Prepares for Tornado Safety with Annual Drills

Residents of Wisconsin are gearing up for their annual tornado drills scheduled for April 10, as the state foresees no severe weather threats on that day. Participation is encouraged statewide, with designated times at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., allowing everyone to practice heading to their tornado shelters.

During these drills, the following activities are expected:

• The National Weather Service plans to issue its routine weekly test through NOAA weather radios. These devices will showcase a test message, audible only if the radios are turned on.
• Some TV and radio stations might interrupt their programming to cover the drills or may choose to discuss them during their usual news broadcasts.
• Certain communities might opt to test their outdoor warning sirens, although many will adhere to their regular testing schedules. Residents should check with local operators for specific plans regarding April 10.

It is important to note what will not happen during the drills:

• No mock tornado warnings will be issued as live code tests for the Emergency Alert System, meaning no alert tones will sound on NOAA Weather Radios set to silent alert monitoring.
• Mobile phones will not receive any wireless emergency alerts about the statewide tornado drill.
• There will be no push notifications sent to electronic devices.

ReadyWisconsin emphasizes the importance of having a tornado plan in place, whether at home, at work, or in schools:

• Seek shelter on the lowest floor in an interior room without windows, putting as many walls as possible between you and the storm.
• If outdoors, find refuge in a sturdy building. If unreachable, use a vehicle to drive to the nearest shelter, ensuring your seatbelt is fastened.
• If driving and debris is present, pull over safely, keep your seatbelt on, and position your head below the windows. Avoid seeking shelter under overpasses due to potential wind tunnels attracting debris.
• Mobile homes provide minimal protection. Upon a tornado watch, immediately relocate to the nearest designated tornado shelter or sturdy building, allowing sufficient travel time.

For more details on tornado safety, visit ReadyWisconsin’s tornado safety page.