Omaha, Neb. – Sirens will sound across Nebraska and Iowa at 10 a.m. Wednesday as part of a statewide tornado drill, giving residents a critical window to practice life-saving severe weather actions.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, the drill is part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, running through Friday, with each day focused on specific hazards including tornadoes, hail, wind, lightning, and flooding. The Wednesday drill will activate NOAA Weather Radio alerts, and some communities may also sound outdoor warning sirens.
Cities including Omaha, Lincoln, Des Moines, and Sioux City are expected to participate, with schools, businesses, and families encouraged to identify safe shelter locations such as basements or interior rooms away from windows. Officials stress that mobile homes and vehicles are unsafe during tornado warnings.
The timing comes as spring storm season ramps up across the Plains, when fast-developing thunderstorms can produce tornadoes with little lead time. Emergency managers urge residents to ensure alerts are enabled on phones and to review safety plans now rather than waiting for an active warning.
Severe Weather Awareness Week continues through Friday, with additional daily safety themes and outreach as the region prepares for peak storm season.
