Statewide Tornado Drills Scheduled for April 12

Gov. Scott Walker declared April 9-13 as Wisconsin’s Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week. Wisconsin Emergency Management, the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) have teamed up to sponsor the statewide tornado drills scheduled for April 12. Schools, businesses, families, and individuals have two opportunities to test their emergency plans during the drills. A mock tornado watch will be issued April 12 at 1 pm, followed by a statewide mock tornado warning at 1:45 pm. Later, a mock tornado warning will be issued at 6:45 pm to give families and second-shift workers a chance to practice their emergency plans. The tornado drill will take place even if the sky is cloudy, dark or rainy. If actual severe storms are expected on April 12, the tornado drills will be postponed until April 13 at the same times. If severe storms are possible April 13, the drills will be canceled.