Increasing concerns about the potential for severe weather to develop in Wisconsin later today are prompting ReadyWisconsin and the National Weather Service (NWS) to cancel the evening portion of Wisconsin’s annual statewide tornado drill.
This includes the city of Manitowoc and Manitowoc County.
While the likelihood of it occurring is low, NWS meteorologists are unable to rule out the potential for funnel clouds and a brief, weak tornado later this afternoon and evening in southern Wisconsin.
Due to this potential, the 6:45 p.m. statewide tornado drill has been canceled as a precautionary measure. It will not be rescheduled.
The afternoon portion of the drill took place as scheduled at 1:45 p.m. today, with NWS and emergency management offices across the state participating.
Wisconsin’s NWS offices conducted NOAA Weather Radio tests, while many communities heard tornado sirens sound. Schools and businesses also practiced their tornado sheltering plans.
The decision to cancel the evening portion highlights just how difficult it can be to anticipate what weather systems will produce as they move through the state and why it’s so important to practice severe weather safety regularly.
