South Bend, Indiana — Indiana will conduct a statewide tornado preparedness drill Tuesday morning, triggering a test warning alert across the state.
According to the South Bend Police Department, the National Weather Service will issue a test tornado warning alert at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, March 10 as part of Indiana’s annual severe weather preparedness exercise. The alert is expected to be broadcast through television and radio systems statewide.
Officials said the drill is designed to help residents review safety plans and understand how emergency alerts may appear during an actual severe weather event.
However, outdoor warning sirens in St. Joseph County will not sound during the statewide drill, according to local emergency management leaders.
The St. Joseph County Emergency Management Agency said the county recently conducted a separate successful test of its outdoor warning siren system. Because of the possibility of severe weather later Tuesday, officials decided not to activate the sirens again during the statewide drill.
Authorities emphasized that tornadoes can develop quickly in the region and sometimes with limited warning. South Bend experienced significant storm impacts less than a year ago, when a March 30, 2025 storm brought high winds that toppled trees and damaged homes across the city.
Officials say preparedness drills help ensure residents understand how warnings are delivered and what actions to take during severe weather.
Residents are encouraged to use the drill as an opportunity to review their tornado safety plans, identify safe shelter locations, and ensure they can receive emergency alerts through multiple sources.
For students, commuters, and workers, the test warning may briefly interrupt broadcasts Tuesday morning but will not indicate an actual emergency.
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