UPDATE: The 6:45 p.m. portion of the tornado drill has been cancelled by the National Weather Service due to the threat of funnel clouds in south-central Wisconsin. The area of concern does not involve Sheboygan county. However, eliminating the drill will free the full alert system for real emergencies. The original story follows.
Tornadoes and severe weather can happen any time of the year in Wisconsin, but with peak season now approaching the National Weather Service has named this week “Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week”.
Part of being aware means being prepared to act when a warning is issued, and to test your preparation the National Weather Service will conduct tornado drills at both 1:45 and 6:45 p.m. today. At those times you can expect many tornado sirens to sound, and some media might briefly cut into regular programs. If you own a weather radio you’ll also receive the test, and then you should check your preparedness.
When a tornado warning is issued you should go to an interior room in the lowest level of your home, as far as possible from windows and exterior doors. Experts also advise you have shoes or boots on your feet, put on a bike or sports helmet if you have one, and cover with pillows and blankets for protection from flying debris.
Today will only be a test, but if you’re prepared, you’ll be more likely to survive when the warning is real.
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