Gov. Tony Evers has declared this week as Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin. There will be statewide tornado drills today (4/15), but one change is the drill will not include a mock tornado warning issued as a live code test of the Emergency Alert System. As a result, there will be no test alerts sounded on NOAA Weather Radios or on radio and TV stations.  Some communities may still choose to test their outdoor warning sirens during the drill times. However, it is expected many will instead rely on their regular testing schedules to ensure those devices are working properly. In place of those alerts, You can expect to see messages from ReadyWisconsin and its partners across social media at the scheduled drill times, 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. that encourage everyone to participate in the drill.

Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually. During the 2020 season, the NWS confirmed 20 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.

For more tips on severe weather preparedness and advice on creating your own emergency plan, visit readywisconsin.wi.gov. You can also follow ReadyWisconsin on Facebook and Twitter.