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Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week - April 17-21, 2023

This annual campaign encourages everyone in the state of #Wisconsin to prepare for the tornadoes and severe storms the state frequently experiences during the spring and summer months. It is also a perfect opportunity for school citizens, businesses, schools, day cares, special facilities, and staff to review their severe weather safety procedures and participate in statewide tornado drills at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. on April 20. Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually. The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed 28 tornadoes touched down in the state of Wisconsin during 2022. 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 on April 20, the statewide drills will be postponed until Friday, April 21. The drills will go on in all other conditions, including non- severe weather (clouds, rain, dark sky, scattered thunderstorms, etc.). If severe weather is also expected on Friday, the drills will be cancelled. Notification of the drill status will be posted at http://readywisconsin. wi.gov by 10:00 a.m. on the morning of April 20 - #News Courtesey #Cumberland #Advocate