Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week begins on Monday, April 11 , 2016. The National Weather Service, Wisconsin Emergency Management and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association have partnered up to sponsor the annual statewide tornado drill, which is scheduled for Thursday, April 14.
New this year, a second mock tornado warning will be issued at 6:55 p.m. on Thursday, April 14 to give families and businesses a chance to test their emergency severe weather plans in the evening hours. The Rock County Outdoor Warning Sirens will be activated at 1:45 pm and 6:55 pm for the drill.
Annual Statewide Tornado Drill – Thursday April 14, 2016
Many radio and television stations will participate in the annual statewide tornado drill. In addition, NOAA weather radios (also known as emergency weather radios) will issue emergency alerts. This is an ideal opportunity for schools, businesses and families to practice safety plans for severe weather.
1:00 pm – The National Weather Service will issue a statewide mock tornado watch. A tornado watch means that tornadoes are possible in your area. Citizens should remain alert for approaching storms.
1:45 pm – The National Weather Service will issue a statewide mock tornado warning. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated on weather radar. Citizens should move to a safe place immediately. The Outdoor Warning Sirens will be activated.
2:00 pm – Conclusion of mock tornado watch and warning drill
6:55 p.m. – The National Weather Service issues a second mock tornado warning. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated on weather radar. Citizens should move to a safe place immediately. The Outdoor Warning Sirens will be activated.
Important: 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 14, the tornado drill will be postponed until Friday, April 15 with the same test schedule. If severe storms are possible Friday, the drill will be cancelled. Residents will be notified of any changes through local media as well as the Rock County Sheriff’s Office website and Facebook, and Ready Wisconsin.
What Citizens Can Expect
Rock County Outdoor Warning Siren System: The Outdoor Warning Siren System will be tested in Rock County at 1:45 pm. Citizens can expect to hear the outdoor sirens generate a tone as they do during the monthly siren tests that run between April and October. The test signal will be 1 -2 minutes in duration. Please tune in to your local radio stations or weather radios for all weather related information and instructions when the sirens are sounded. In the event of an actual tornado warning, the sirens would alert steadily for three to five minutes.
Citizens are reminded that they should not call the Rock County 911 Communications Center or local radio stations for weather information. If residents find that the siren in their area is not working, they should contact the Rock County Sheriff’s Office – Emergency Management Bureau at 608-758-8440.
