Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin will take place April 4-8, 2022.
It's the time to have an emergency plan in place. Know where you will be seeking shelter, have an emergency bag packed and execute the plan. In stressful urgent situations it can be easy to forget important information, which is why muscle memory will help when you need it the most. In the video above, NBC26's Meteorologist Brittney Merlot walks us through a home and helps us pick a safe place to seek shelter. If you don't have an ideal spot at home, Merlot tells us the other options we need to consider and seek out.
"Keep in mind, while driving, DO NOT take shelter under an overpass. The wind intensifies in the tunnel and the road above can collapse on you. It is much safer to drive away from the tornado or get out of the car and lay in a ditch." says Merlot.
Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually. The National Weather Service has confirmed 41 tornadoes touched down in the state of Wisconsin during 2021.
April begins the severe weather season for the state of Wisconsin. It ramps up in June and July, with tornado threats still lingering into August.
This annual campaign encourages everyone in the state of Wisconsin to prepare for the tornadoes and severe storms the state frequently experiences during the spring and summer months. It is also a perfect opportunity for individuals, families, school administrators, safety officers and faculty to review their severe weather safety procedures by participating in statewide tornado drills at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, April 7.
Due to technical concerns, the statewide tornado drill no longer includes a live test of the Emergency Alert System. As a result, NOAA Weather Radios and alerts on broadcast TV and radio will not sound an audible alarm. Some communities may still test their outdoor warning sirens during the drill. The state’s NWS offices will also conduct NOAA Weather Radio tests during the drills, which can be heard if actively listening to a weather radio during the drill times.
If you would like to become an official Storm Spotter with the National Weather Service, click here for training classes.
