Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week starts April 8 and goes through April 12. During this week, the National Weather Service (NWS) will host a mock Tornado drill. The drill will begin with a tornado watch issued at 1 pm on Thursday, April 11. Next, the NWS will issue a tornado warning at 1:45 pm. The drill will conclude at 2:00 pm. In the event that severe weather actually does develop on Thursday, the drill will be conducted on Friday, April 12.
This is a good time for WCRIS schools to run a drill, as the National Weather Service will sound the tornado sirens. Schools are also encouraged to advise parents to participate in the mock tornado warning that will take place in the evening on April 11.
See page 58 of the 2018-19 WCRIS Legal Handbook for more information on the private school requirements for tornado and severe weather drills.
During Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week, you can use materials found here to help build curriculum for your science classes. Use this week to educate students about the weather and severe weather events.
Information about what your school can do and how to plan for severe weather can be found at readywisconsin.wi.gov.
