The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City

State Emergency Management (SEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) will conduct a  Statewide Severe Weather Tornado Drill at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 8th, 2011.  Every school, citizen and business is encouraged to participate in the drill by practicing seeking secure, save shelter from a "tornado". 

The  NWS offices around the state will issue a test tornado warning as part of the drill.  Local warning sirens, NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio, and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be activated upon receipt of this warning, to signal the start of the drill.

The "TOR" code for EAS and NOAA Weather Radio will be used again this year to simulate what would occur in the event of an actual tornado warning. Residents should treat the drill as if it were an actual tornado emergency.  The purpose of the annual drill is to test everyone's readiness for life-threatening severe weather events such as tornadoes, flash floods, large hail, and damaging winds.

Local officials may sound warning sirens to initiate the drill.  Area residents, businesses, and schools are urged to treat the drill as if it were an actual tornado emergency. The purpose of the annual drill is to test everyone’s readiness for life-threatening severe weather events such as tornadoes, flash floods, large hail, and damaging winds. 

The state of Missouri can experience a variety of severe weather including tornadoes, severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and large hail, and flash flooding.  Residents are encouraged to use this week, and the annual test day, to review their severe weather safety plans.  Practice what you would do in a real tornado emergency.    

Overview 

Statistics 

Daily themes include:
Monday: Preparedness Day
Tuesday: Tornado Safety Day 
1. Tornado Building Safety  
2. Tornado School Safety  
Wednesday: Flash Flood Safety Day 

Thursday: Severe Thunderstorm Safety Day 

Friday: WeatherCALL & NOAA Weather Radio Safety Day

1. WeatherCALL
2. NOAA Weather Radio 

Special Note: The National Weather Service will make every effort to hold the drill on Tuesday, March 8.  Clouds, rain or snow will not be enough to cancel, unless it is a major storm.  However, if conditions warrant, the backup day for the drill will be Thursday, March 10, also around 1:30 pm. Everyone is encouraged to take part in the drill at the appointed time.  However, if the day or time does not work, conduct a drill at a time that is best for you.