Tornado sirens will sound in Shawano and Menominee counties Thursday as part of a statewide drill marking Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week.
At 1 p.m., the National Weather Service will issue a statewide mock tornado watch and at 1:45 p.m. a statewide mock tornado warning. Many radio and TV stations will participate in the drill. In addition, NOAA weather radios (also known as emergency weather radios) will issue alert messaging and weather sirens will sound across both counties.
Wisconsin Emergency Management, ReadyWisconsin, the National Weather Service and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association are also teaming up for the drill.
“We all remember the severe thunderstorm last year that was so devastating to many in our community and want everyone to be prepared when severe weather strikes our area,” said Shelley Williams, Menominee County emergency management director.
Natalie Easterday, Shawano County emergency management director, said the drill provides an ideal opportunity for schools, businesses and families to practice safe procedures for severe weather.
“Taking just a little time out of the day to participate in the drill and talk about severe weather safety will go a long ways in helping everyone be more prepared,” she said.
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, the tornado drill will be postponed until Friday with the same times. 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 ReadyWisconsin web page, Facebook and Twitter.