BURNETT COUNTY – Tests of the Burnett County emergency severe weather warning system will be conducted the first Monday of each month at 1 p.m., beginning Monday, May 7, and ending Monday, September 24.
Gov. Scott Walker has declared April 9-13 as Wisconsin’s Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week. Wisconsin Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association will sponsor the statewide tornado drills scheduled for April 12.
On April 12, a mock tornado watch will be issued at 1 p.m., followed by a statewide mock tornado warning at 1:45 p.m. Many radio and TV stations across the state will issue the test tornado warnings.
In addition, mock alerts will be issued on the NOAA Weather Radios and many communities will sound their tornado sirens to test their emergency severe weather plans. Later, a mock tornado warning will be issued at 6:45 p.m. to give families and second shift workers a chance to practice their emergency plans.
According to the Weather Service, Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually. Last year, 16 tornados touched down in the state.
The tornado drill will take place even if the sky is cloudy, dark or rainy. If actual severe storms are expected in the state on April 12, the drills will be postponed until Friday, April 13, at the same times. If severe storms are possible Friday, the drills will be canceled.
Last Update: Mar 22, 2018 7:41 am CDT
