Are You Severe Weather Aware?

Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) officials have designated the week of April 16-20, 2012 as Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin.

During Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week, schools as well as homes and businesses are asked to go over the procedures needed when severe weather strikes to ensure that staff, students and employees are prepared.

According to WEM, Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually. Last year, 38 tornadoes in Wisconsin were confirmed by the National Weather Service (NWS), and eight of those were rated as strong (EF2 or EF3). The strongest tornado, rated EF3, affected the Merrill area in Lincoln County on April 10.

However, even the weaker tornadoes can be damaging and deadly. One person was killed during an EF1 tornado that hit Wausaukee in Marinette County on August 19, 2011. In addition, an EF2 tornado hit the south side of La Crosse on May 22 and damaged over 100 homes and businesses.

What can you do?

• Listen: When severe weather is possible (Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch issued) pick a credible source of information and keep in touch with that source until the danger has past. One of the best tools is a NOAA Weather Radio (also know as an Emergency Weather Radio). Click here for more information on NOAA Weather Radios
• Act: When you hear a tornado warning (tornado seen by spotters or detected on radar) seek the best shelter you can find immediately. Don’t waste time checking multiple sources of information. You may have only seconds to find a safe place. Click here for more information on best shelter
• Live: Your chances of survival multiply. Hopefully the storm will pass with no damage. But don’t risk your life on a hope.

This is only a test...

On Thursday, April 19, 2012, a statewide tornado drill is planned. The drill will be an ideal opportunity for school staff and students to practice their safety procedures for severe weather. The mock tornado warnings will be issued by the NWS and will be staggered from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The actual times will be posted in March on the Wisconsin Emergency Management website. Should you have a weather radio (strongly recommended by WEM), you may not hear the mock warning tone alert on some models. You should monitor the actual audio broadcast to receive the message.

If actual severe weather occurs anywhere in the state on April 19, the tornado drill will be postponed to Friday, April 20, with the tornado watch and warnings issued at the same scheduled times. If severe weather occurs on Friday, the drill will be cancelled.

Muskego has generally conducted one-minute tests of their sirens on the first Saturday of the month, and 20-second operational tests will be conducted on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Saturdays. (We are confirming if these will go off on the 19th as well.)

This system has been in operation for several years, however officials said many people still don’t quite understand how it works, or what differentiates a test from the real thing. 

Tornado warnings issued for the Muskego area are sent to the department via teletype, and the weather sirens are activated, for a full three minutes.   This is the signal to seek immediate shelter and tune in to local radio or television for further information. In addition, if the skies are clear and no severe weather is forecast when you hear a siren, chalk it up to a test rather than calling police.