© 2024 WXPR
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

You Learned It In School, Time For A Refersher: Tornado and Severe Storm Week

Pixabay.com mhouy

As the weather turns toward spring, the potential of tornadoes and severe weather also increases. State officials have declared this week as Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Oneida County Emergency Management spokesperson Dawn Robinson says everyone learns about safety in school, but sometimes those lessons aren't carried through at home...

"...Tornado and severe weather awareness week means testing your tornado drills. We often do it when in school but sometimes we don't do it at home. But it's important for everyone in our home to know what to do in the event there is a tornado..."

The National Weather Service says Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes each year, but last year the state saw 33 tornadoes. 19 tornadoes happened on August 28th, the second largest outbreak in state years.

Dawn Robinson says knowing the difference between a watch and warning is necessary...

"...a watch means it is possible, a warning means it will be happening. One of the great opportunities you can have is get the information in advance by tuning into local radio and TV stations as well as having a NOAA weather radio. The information emitted on the weather radio comes directly from the National Weather Service. Timing is of the essence, especially to save your life and your property..."

There's also a tornado drill on Thursday, April 11. It will begin with a mock tornado watch at 1 p.m. followed by a mock tornado warning at 1:45 p.m. Radio and television station across the region will particpate, including WXPR. More information on tornado and severe weather awareness, and other safety considerations are on the website readywisconsin.wi.gov 

Up North Updates
* indicates required
Related Content