Tornado Sirens Will Sound in Milwaukee on Thursday

If you hear tornado sirens on Thursday, it's a good possibility that you don't need to be alarmed.

This week is tornado and severe weather awareness week in Wisconsin and unless there is a threat for severe weather, the severe weather emergency systems will be tested, including the sirens.

The National Weather Service will issue a test tornado watch at 1 p.m. Thursday, followed by a test tornado warning issued between 1:20 and 1:25 p.m, according to a press release by the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office. The Milwaukee County Outdoor Tornado Warning Sirens will then be sounded, including those in Fox Point and Bayside.

Bayside tested their sirens last week and . They have since repaired the siren and will be ready to be tested again Thursday.

There will be no "all clear" message issued by National Weather Service.  If there is any threat of severe weather on Thursday, the siren test will not be conducted.

The big issue to remember is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A watch means conditions right for severe thunderstorms, and there may be the potential for tornadoes.

A warning means it's time to take shelter immediately, according to the press release. Stay away from windows, outside walls and doors and take cover to protect your head.  Do not open windows. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or has been detected by NWS radar.  During a tornado warning in Milwaukee County, the outdoor warning sirens will sound a steady tone blast for 3 minutes or longer.  There is no “All Clear” signal given when a warning expires or is cancelled.

MSCO also suggests listening to local radio or television for NWS weather bulletins, watches and warnings or use a Weather Alert Radio that will receive the broadcasts and alerts from the local National Weather Service Office, the release said.  When a tornado threatens your area, immediately take action to seek shelter and do not leave until the storm has passed.  If possible, take a portable radio and flashlight with you.

Wisconsin’s tornado season runs from April through September, with the greatest numbers of tornadoes in May, June and July. A tornado may strike at any time, with little or no warning. During a tornado warning go to your basement to seek shelter or in a home with no basement go to the lowest floor to a central interior space (i.e., bathroom, hallway or closet) that is an enclosed, windowless area -- away from glass. Then, crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down; and cover your head to protect yourself.