APPLETON — A statewide tornado drill is scheduled for Thursday, April 7, 2022 at 1:45 pm and again at 6:45 pm. as part of the Wisconsin’s Severe Weather Awareness Week.
If severe weather is expected on April 7, the drill will be postponed until April 8. Everyone is encouraged to practice going to their designated shelter locations and discuss their severe weather plans with family. friends and co-workers.
The drill no longer includes a live EAS test and mock tornado watch/warning issued by the National Weather Service. The NWS offices will conduct NOAA Weather radio tests during both of the drills.
Outagamie County will be activating the outdoor warning sirens during both the afternoon and evening drills. Please share widely to avoid any unnecessary calls to 911. Sirens are intended for outdoor warning only. They are not intended to be heard inside homes or businesses. Outagamie County recommends that residents obtain NOAA weather radios or a local weather phone app for severe weather alerts.
For more information on NOAA weather radios or other preparedness information, contact the Outagamie County Emergency Management office at 920-832-6361. Questions related to specific outdoor warning sirens should be directed to the relevant municipality.
Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually. During the 2021 season, the NWS confirmed 41 tornadoes touched down in the state. While spring and summer are the most active time of the year for tornadoes, they can happen in any month.
In 2021, Wisconsin also recorded the third largest hailstone in Wisconsin history during the September 7th storm. Take this time to check your emergency supply kit, change the batteries in your weather radio, and practice your severe weather plans to help keep those around you safe and better prepared.
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