Every spring there are state-sponsored tornado drills. These drills allow you to practice what you should do when there is a real tornado watch or warning. A tornado watch means there are weather conditions in the area that could produce a tornado. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted somewhere in the area.
WHAT IS A TORNADO?
A tornado is a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with extremely strong winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. Damage can be severe along the path of a tornado. According to the National Weather Service, Wisconsin had 17 documented tornados in 2015, the annual average is 23. To learn more about tornadoes visit: https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/tornadoes.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IN THE EVENT OF A TORNADO?
If there is a tornado warning you should:
- Go to the lowest level you can in the building
- Take shelter in interior rooms or hallways (bathrooms or laundry rooms are best)
- Avoid areas with windows and do not open any windows
TORNADO SIREN TESTS
There are two different drills set for the Madison area on Thursday, April 15. Please see for more details: https://www.weather.gov/mkx/Tornadodrill2021
- At 1:45 p.m. a test tornado warning will be issued
- There will be another drill for a tornado warning later that day at 6:45 p.m.
You are not required to participate in the drill or practice seeking shelter, but you are encouraged to at least review and find the best place for you to go in the case of real tornado.