Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week (April 15-19, 2013) is designed to remind people of the dangers associated with tornadoes, thunderstorms, flooding and hail and to encourage citizens to take protective safety measures such as developing a personal preparedness plan and putting together a disaster supply kit. Knowing what to expect and the steps to take in an emergency is the key to protecting yourself and your family.
Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually. Last year, only 4 tornadoes were reported in Wisconsin by the National Weather Service (NWS). The strongest tornado, rated EF2, hit near Patch Grove in Grant County on September 4, 2012. The peak tornado season in Wisconsin is April to August, but tornadoes can occur any time of the year.
On Thursday, April 18, 2013, a statewide tornado drill is planned. The mock tornado watch will be issued statewide by the NWS at 1:00 PM. The NWS will then issue a statewide mock tornado warning at 1:45 PM. The tornado drill will take place even if the sky is cloudy, dark and/or rainy. If actual severe storms are expected in the state on Thursday, April 18, the tornado drill will be postponed until Friday, April 19 with the same times. If severe storms are possible Friday, the drill will be cancelled.
"Listen, Act and Live" is an initiative by Wisconsin Emergency Management, county and tribal emergency management offices. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Wisconsin Emergency Management and the National Weather Service encourage your participation in promoting Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week. For more information on tornadoes and severe weather, click on the links below:
Tornado 2013 Brochure
2013 Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Drill