April 8-April 12, 2024 is Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in the state of Wisconsin. This important week is intended to prepare for what to do in the event of severe weather in your area. Severe weather in Wisconsin includes tornadoes, thunderstorms and flooding.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes per year. During the 2023 season, the NWS confirmed 21 tornadoes touched down all over the state. While spring and summer are the most active time of the year for tornadoes, they can happen in any month, especially with the warmer weather lasting well into the fall season.
The State of Wisconsin is will conduct a statewide tornado drill on Thursday, April 11, at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Officials encourage everyone in schools, businesses, and homes to go to their nearest tornado shelter during the drill. Safe shelter locations can be basements and ground floor interior rooms or hallways that are away from windows and exterior doors. During the drills, the sirens will sound, National Weather Service offices in Wisconsin plan to conduct tests on NOAA weather radios. You can also expect an interruption in regularly scheduled programs on the television and radio. Wisconsin Emergency Management stated there will not be wireless emergency alerts or push notifications during the drill. In the event of severe weather April 11, the drill will be postponed to Friday, April 12.
Please note that we are not requiring University Apartments residents or staff to seek shelter during these events, but we encourage you to talk with your household members about where you will go in case of an actual tornado warning. If you have any questions about severe weather or the tornado drill, please contact the Community Center at 262-3407.
More Information
UW–Madison Environmental Health and Safety
Ready Wisconsin
Dane County Emergency Management
National Weather Service