Statewide tornado drill to be held today

Missouri’s 2022 statewide tornado drill will be held today, March 8, at 10 a.m. This is an opportunity for Missourians to practice their sheltering plans and ensure readiness in case of a severe weather emergency while at home, work or school.

Each year, the National Weather Service chooses the date of Missouri’s statewide tornado drill. The drill is generally held during the first two weeks of March.

Severe weather can strike at any time in Missouri, making it important for all of us to be prepared to find the most secure shelter available no matter where we are. The statewide tornado drill is an excellent opportunity for Missourians to practice their sheltering plans and ensure readiness in case of a severe weather emergency. The statewide drill provides schools, businesses and families with an opportunity to test their planning and readiness to be able to quickly seek appropriate shelter in case of a real severe weather emergency. By practicing and increasing readiness across the state, Missourians will feel confident and prepared in the event of actual severe weather emergencies.

At 10 a.m. today, NOAA Weather Radios set to receive the Routine Weekly Tests (RWTs) will alert listeners that the tornado drill has begun. Outdoor warning sirens will also sound across participating communities in Missouri. At this time, participants should practice taking cover in their designated shelter.

Schools, businesses and families are all encouraged to participate in the statewide tornado drill. Schools are encouraged to use the tornado drill as an educational tool for students by incorporating tornado facts and meteorological information and safety tips into their lesson plans.

Missouri’s annual Statewide Tornado Drill is part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week, which includes:

• Monday – Have a Plan/Receive Weather Information Day

• Tuesday – Tornado Safety Day, including a statewide tornado drill at 10 a.m.

• Wednesday – Lightning Safety Day

• Thursday – Hail/Wind Safety Day

• Friday – Flood Safety Day