LEADER LAND – Be prepared, not scared is the goal when it comes to tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, which usually begin hitting Northwest Wisconsin with increased frequencies around this time of the year. We are right in the midst of Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week, which spans from Monday, April 17, through Friday, April 21.
A big part of the preparedness plan, according to emergency preparedness officials, is a statewide tornado drill which is planned for tomorrow, Thursday, April 20, at both 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. During the drill times, Wisconsin’s National Weather Service offices will conduct NOAA weather radio tests that can be heard only if you are actively listening to those devices or have one programmed to activate on test alerts. Many communities may choose to test their outdoor warning sirens during the drill times and local media may also put out messages to encourage people to participate. Schools, day cares, businesses and homes are encouraged to practice going to their nearest tornado shelter during the drills, as if there were an actual tornado warning in effect.
If there is a threat of severe weather in Wisconsin tomorrow, the statewide drills will be postponed until Friday, April 21. The drills will go on in all other conditions, including nonsevere weather such as clouds, rain, dark sky, scattered thunderstorms, etc. If severe weather is also expected on Friday, the drills will be canceled. Notification of the drill status will be posted at readywisconsin.wi.gov by 10 a.m. tomorrow.
Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually. The National Weather Service has confirmed 28 tornadoes touched down in the state of Wisconsin during 2022.
