GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – This week in Wisconsin is an important test to keep yourself safe when severe weather strikes.
Governor Scott Walker has declared April 11 through April 15 as Wisconsin’s Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week.
Wisconsin Emergency Management, the National Weather Service and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association have once again teamed up to sponsor the statewide tornado drill scheduled for Thursday, April 14.
A mock tornado watch will be issued at 1 p.m., and a mock tornado warning will be issued at 1:45 p.m. Then for the first time in Wisconsin, a mock tornado warning will also be issued at 6:55 p.m. on Thursday to give families and businesses a chance to test their emergency severe weather plans.
“Kids may be home alone in a given time when the weather turns for the worse,” says Brown County Emergency Management Coordinator Justin Steinbrinck. “So this is a great opportunity to show kids what to do if a parent is not around to direct them as far as where to go. Also, businesses that may operate outside of the normal business hours will get an opportunity to utilize this chance as well.”
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.
If actual severe storms are expected in the state on Thursday, the tornado drills will be postponed until Friday with the same times. If severe storms are possible on Friday, the drills will be canceled.
