Severe Weather Awareness Week 2023
Severe weather can occur at anytime and in any part of the country. Severe weather can include hazardous conditions produced by thunderstorms, including damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, flooding and flash flooding, and winter storms associated with freezing rain, sleet, snow, and strong winds.
April 17-21, 2023 is Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin. It’s a great time to review your emergency plans in the event severe weather strikes.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes per year. The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed 28 tornadoes touched down in the state of Wisconsin during 2022.
In addition to preparedness and education this week, the State of Wisconsin is also conducting a statewide tornado drill on Thursday, April 20. At 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to review emergency plans and the shelter-in-place locations (located on the Safety Maps at all entrances and near elevators/stairways). The drill will not include a mock tornado warning issued, which means there will be no test alerts sounded on NOAA Weather Radios. Some communities may still choose to test their outdoor warning sirens during the drill times.
Resources:
Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes Toolkit
Ready: Individuals with Disabilities
State wide Severe Weather Awareness Week: 2023 Wisconsin Statewide Tornado Drill set for April 20 – Wisconsin Emergency Management
Severe Weather Watches and Warnings
When conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop, the National Weather Service (NWS) will issue a WATCH. When a Watch is issued, make sure you have a source of weather information in the event storms begin to form. When severe weather has formed, NWS meteorologists will issue a WARNING to immediately alert the public about the dangerous weather and to advise them to seek appropriate shelter or avoid travel. Watches and Warnings are relayed to local radio and television stations and are broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio. Public safety officials also get the Warnings and can activate local warning systems, like outdoor sirens, to alert communities.
Tornado Watch: Severe thunderstorms with tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. Be prepared to move to safety if a Warning is issued. Know what counties are in the watch area by listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or television stations.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Thunderstorms with large hail and damaging winds are possible. Be prepared to move to safety if a Warning is issued.
Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Move to a place of safety now!
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: A storm with large hail and damaging winds has been reported or indicated by weather radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm!
