Virginia To Hold Annual Tornado Drill In March

VIRGINIA — An annual statewide drill to prepare for tornado threats and test public warning systems will be held in Virginia on March 17. The annual drill is an opportunity to prepare Virginians for tornado threats and to test public warning systems, according to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

In the past, central and southern Virginia were more susceptiable to tornadoes than the northern parts of the state. Last week's tornado in Leesburg shows that with changing climate patterns, tornadoes can strike any part of the state.

The drill, part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Virginia from March 16-20, will begin at approximately 9:45 a.m. on March 17 with a test tornado warning sent in the form of a required monthly test by the National Weather Service to National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

"Virginians should use the statewide tornado drill on March 17 as an opportunity to test their tornado emergency procedures and discuss preparedness efforts for these deadly and unexpected storms which can touch down in Virginia throughout the year," Virginia Department of Emergency Management State Coordinator Jeff Stern said Monday in a statement.

Participants in the drill, including schools and businesses, should turn on their NOAA Weather Radio by 9:40 am and listen to the voice broadcast. Those listening to the broadcast will hear the audible test alert broadcast at 9:45 am. Local radio stations, TV stations and cable outlets will also broadcast the test message via the Emergency Alert System.

In 2019, 19 confirmed tornadoes touched down in Virginia, affecting 21 different jurisdictions. Looking back over the past 20 years, 2004 was the most active year in Virginia with more than 80 tornadoes reported that year, while 2007 was the quietest with only two tornadoes recorded in the state.

Most tornadoes strike Virginia from April through September, although the Feb. 7 tornado in Leesburg showed that they can hit anytime depending on the weather conditions.

The public should set up their smartphones to receive wireless emergency alerts from the National Weather Service. Residents also should have a tornado plan in place so they know where to seek shelter when a tornado warning is issued.