MILWAUKEE (Civic Media) – Wisconsin’s statewide tornado drills will be held twice on Friday, the National Weather Service says.

The drills, which were originally scheduled for Thursday, will be held at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. on Friday.

Thursday’s drills were postponed due to the threat of severe weather in southern Wisconsin. A tornado watch was issued for the afternoon and evening for most of southern Wisconsin, including Milwaukee and Madison, due to the potential for strong to severe storms. Three severe thunderstorm warnings were issued on Thursday, including one that covered the city of Milwaukee.

Friday’s drill is intended for people to discuss and practice severe weather safety and sheltering plans. The statewide tornado drill will have a NOAA Weather Radio test, while some areas will hear a tornado siren and some broadcast media outlets will also air testing alerts. The NWS will not issue a test watch or warning, use push notifications or issue wireless emergency alerts.

April 17 through 21 is Wisconsin Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week. In addition to tornadoes, the NWS covers flooding, hail, severe thunderstorms, and educates the public on the criteria for severe weather warnings that are issued by the different NWS offices covering Wisconsin. You can learn more on the National Weather Service website.

POSTPONED! Due to the chances for severe thunderstorms on Thursday, the Wisconsin Statewide Tornado Drill has been postponed to Friday. NOTE: Any warnings you receive on Thursday are legit and not a drill. #wiwx pic.twitter.com/G37qKE0Rbq

— NWS Milwaukee (@NWSMilwaukee) April 19, 2023