Leader Staff
Shawano County Emergency Management is teaming up Thursday with Wisconsin Emergency Management, the National Weather Service and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association to sponsor a statewide mock tornado drill.
A mock tornado watch will be issued at 1 p.m., and a mock tornado warning will be issued statewide at 1:45 p.m. A mock tornado warning will also be issued at 6:55 p.m.
Many radio and TV stations across the state will issue the test tornado warnings. In addition, mock alerts will be issued on NOAA weather radios, and many communities will sound their tornado sirens.
The tornado drill will take place even if the sky is cloudy or dark. If actual severe storms are expected Thursday, the tornado drill will be postponed until Friday at the same times. If severe storms are possible Friday, the drill will be cancelled.
Natalie Easterday, Shawano County emergency management director, said the drill is an ideal opportunity for schools, businesses and families to practice safe procedures for severe weather.
“By just taking a little time out of the day to participate in the drill and talk about severe weather safety will go a long way in helping everyone be more prepared,” she said.
Gov. Scott Walker has declared April 11-15 as Tornado & Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin.
For information, visit www.readywisconsin.wi.gov.