Charleston, WV – West Virginia residents will participate in a statewide tornado drill Tuesday morning as part of ongoing efforts to boost severe weather preparedness.
According to the US National Weather Service Pittsburgh and the West Virginia Emergency Management Division, the drill is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. on March 25, 2025. While the alert will not activate mobile phone systems, residents may hear it on weather radios, television broadcasts, or radio stations across the state.
The coordinated exercise is part of Severe Weather Awareness Week and aims to encourage households, schools, and businesses to practice sheltering plans. Emergency officials are urging West Virginians to take the drill seriously, using the moment to identify safe spaces and reinforce protocols with children and coworkers.
Although no actual tornado threat is expected, the drill simulates real alert conditions. The state’s participation is vital, especially as tornadoes have become more frequent in recent years during spring storm seasons.
Residents are reminded that basements or interior rooms without windows on the lowest floor are the safest locations during an actual tornado. For more information about how to prepare or participate, visit weather.gov/rlx/Tornado-Drill-FAQ.
