Madison, Wisconsin – With tornado season ramping up across Wisconsin, emergency officials are urging residents to review safety plans ahead of Thursday’s statewide tornado drills.
According to Wisconsin Emergency Management and the National Weather Service, the drills will take place at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Thursday, activating sirens and emergency alerts across the state. Wisconsin averages about 23 tornadoes each year, with peak activity typically running from April through August.
Communities including Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and La Crosse will participate, giving residents a chance to practice taking shelter in basements or interior rooms away from windows. Officials stress the importance of understanding the difference between a tornado watch, when conditions are favorable, and a tornado warning, when a tornado is occurring or imminent.
Warning signs can include dark or greenish skies, rotating wall clouds, large hail, and a loud roar similar to a freight train. Residents should move indoors immediately if these conditions develop.
Emergency managers say preparation now can save lives later. More reminders and safety messaging will continue through the week as Wisconsin enters a more active severe weather pattern.
