April 17-21, 2023, is Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin.
Warm temperatures this week have melted recent snowfalls and long standing piles and mounds of the white stuff rapidly, leading to high rivers, overflowing creeks and rivers, and standing or moving water in many areas with some flooding of roadways. Spring has returned to Lincoln County!
With spring comes an increased risk for severe weather in Wisconsin–from flooding to thunderstorms and tornadoes. Tornadoes are typically the most destructive and unpredictable of those storms. Statewide tornado drills will be held on Thursday, April 20, at 1:45 p.m., including in most schools, and also at 6:45 p.m., providing an opportunity for families to practice tornado safety at home or wherever they might be at that time, just as if there were an actual tornado warning in effect for the area.
Businesses and all Wisconsin residents are encouraged to practice going to their nearest tornado shelter during the drills.
During the drill times, Wisconsin’s National Weather Service (NWS) offices will conduct NOAA Weather Radio tests that can be heard by anyone actively listening to those devices or with devices programmed to activate on test alerts. Many communities will also choose to test their outdoor warning sirens during drill times.
If there is an actual threat of severe weather in Wisconsin on April 20, the statewide drills will be postponed until Friday, April 21, the release said. However, the drills will proceed as planned in any other non-severe weather conditions (clouds, rain, dark sky, scattered thunderstorms, etc.). If severe weather is also expected on Friday, April 21, the drills will be cancelled.
Notification of drill status will be posted at http://readywisconsin.wi.gov by 10:00 a.m. on April 20.
“Wisconsin has already had 13 tornadoes touch down in the state this spring, showing just how important it is to be prepared for severe storms,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle in a recent press release. “WEM’s ReadyWisconsin campaign asks that everyone take just a few moments to make sure their emergency plans are updated and that everyone in their home knows what to do when a weather warning is issued.”
According to the release, Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually. Last year, in 2022, the National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed 28 tornadoes touched down in the state, damaging homes, trees, and power lines.
Tornadoes and severe storms can develop quickly, so know what to do and where to seek shelter.
To stay safe during severe weather, ReadyWisconsin encourages people to do the following:
• Create an emergency plan and practice it.
Know where designated shelters are located at home, work, and school, and be ready to go there when a tornado warning is issued.
• Have multiple ways to receive alerts about approaching severe weather. Outdoor warning sirens, NOAA Weather Radios, local media, and smart phone apps are all important tools. Don’t rely on any single source for important life-saving information.
If you have a mobile device, make sure it is enabled to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). On many devices, that option is available in the settings menu. Find out more about WEA at https://readywisconsin.wi.gov/be-informed/be-alert/.
• Stay weather aware by checking the daily forecast for your area.
• Create an emergency kit for your home. Find tips for making a kit at https://readywisconsin.wi.gov.
For more tips on severe weather preparedness and advice on creating your own emergency plan, visit https://readywisconsin.wi.gov. You can also follow ReadyWisconsin on Facebook (https://facebook.com/ReadyWisconsin), Twitter (https://twitter.com/ReadyWisconsin), and Instagram (https://instagram.com/ReadyWisconsin) for tips on emergency preparedness throughout the year!