West Bend, WI – Gov. Tony Evers has declared April 17-21, 2023, as Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin. This awareness campaign is launched every April to remind people of the dangers associated with tornadoes, thunderstorms, flooding, and hail and to encourage citizens to educate themselves regarding protective safety measures.
Washington County Emergency Management, along with Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM), ReadyWisconsin, the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA), and the National Weather Service (NWS), are once again promoting Wisconsin’s Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week. WEM has sent out a press packet to all state media containing background information. Additional information can be found on the WEM website: http://emergencymanagement.wi.gov or the ReadyWisconsin website: http://readywisconsin.wi.gov
Wisconsin’s annual statewide tornado drills will take place on April 20, 2023 at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., offering an opportunity to practice your tornado sheltering plans. Schools, businesses, and homes are encouraged to practice going to their nearest tornado shelter during the drills, as if there were an actual tornado warning in effect.
During the drill times, Wisconsin’s NWS offices will conduct NOAA Weather Radio tests that can be heard if you are actively listening to those devices or have one programmed to activate on test alerts. Many communities may also choose to test their outdoor warning sirens during drill times.
Weather warning sirens in Washington County are owned and operated locally by the various cities, villages and towns. Due to this fact, the sirens in your area may or may not sound on April 20 depending on participation by the local jurisdiction in the drill, or the fact that a particular system may choose not to deviate from its normal testing schedule.
If there is a threat of severe weather in Wisconsin on April 20, the statewide drills will be postponed until Friday, April 21. The drills will go on in all other conditions, including non-severe weather (clouds, rain, dark sky, scattered thunderstorms, etc.). If severe weather is also expected on Friday, the drills will be cancelled.
All residents of Washington County are encouraged to become familiar with the designated shelter areas and weather procedures needed to be safe if you are at home, school, work, shopping, or on the road. The best way to stay informed about severe weather conditions at home is to purchase a weather radio.
Additional information can be obtained from your local or state Emergency Management Agency, the National Weather Service or your local chapter of the American Red Cross.
