Wisconsin will hold its annual Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week from April 13-17.
The theme — “Listen, act and live!” — emphasizes the importance of listening to warnings and seeking shelter immediately to save lives.
Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually, according to the National Weather Service, which is planning a statewide tornado drill April 16.
The weather service will issue a statewide mock tornado watch at 1 p.m. and a statewide mock tornado warning at 1:45 p.m. 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.
Schools, businesses and families are encouraged to practice safety procedures for severe weather during the drill.
The tornado drill will take place even if the sky is dark or it’s raining. If actual severe storms are expected in the state April 16, the drill will be postponed until April 17. If severe storms are possible April 17, the drill will be cancelled.
Any changes to the schedule will be issued to local media as well as posted on the ReadyWisconsin website, Facebook and Twitter pages.
In 2014, 22 tornadoes were reported in Wisconsin by the National Weather Service. Eighteen of the tornadoes occurred in June. The strongest tornado occurred June 17 when an EF3 tornado hit Verona in Dane County. At least 30 homes were damaged, as well as an elementary school. The tornado traveled about a mile, had wind speeds of 136 to 165 mph and was on the ground for several minutes.
An EF2 touched down that same night in Platteville in Grant County. Several homes and businesses were damaged, including University of Wisconsin-Platteville facilities.
In 2013, 16 tornadoes touched down in Wisconsin, including six tornadoes during the overnight hours of Aug. 6-7. An EF2 struck near New London, injuring two people and causing millions of dollars in damage.
Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week is a collaborative effort of Wisconsin Emergency Management, ReadyWisconsin, the National Weather Service and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.
For information, visit readywisconsin.wi.gov, contact your county or tribal emergency management director, or Tod Pritchard, at tod.pritchard@wisconsin.gov or 608-242-3324.
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