Missouri is conducting a statewide tornado drill Tuesday
ST. LOUIS – As part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week, both Missouri and Illinois will hold their annual tornado drills today. You should have heard a siren or seen a warning on TV at 10am. It’s a good time to stop and think about what you would do if faced with an actual tornado warning.
The city of St. Louis tests its sirens at 11 a.m. on the first Monday of the month. Since elections are taking place in the city today, no sirens sounded there.
Missouri is in an area of the United States that is prone to tornadoes. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there are about 30 tornadoes a year on average.
Tornado drills are conducted in Missouri to prepare individuals, schools, and communities for the possibility of a tornado attack. These drills provide an opportunity to practice what to do in the event of a tornado, which can help save lives during an actual tornado event.
What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning? A tornado watch and warning are both issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) to alert the public to the possibility of tornadoes, but they have different meanings:
- Tornado Clock: A tornado clock means that weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. During a watch, you should be aware of the weather conditions and be ready to take action if necessary. This means that you should keep an eye on the sky, listen to the radio or television, and have a plan of what you would do if a tornado hits.
- Tornado Warning: A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted by a trained weather observer or indicated by radar. This is a more urgent warning and you should take immediate action to protect yourself. This means immediately taking shelter in a sturdy building, preferably a basement or lowest-level indoor space away from windows, and staying there until the warning expires.
https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/missouri-conducts-statewide-tornado-drill-tuesday/ Missouri is conducting a statewide tornado drill Tuesday
