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UI to Issue HawkAlert Test for Severe Weather Awareness Week
University of Iowa to test emergency notification system on Wednesday as part of annual preparedness efforts.
Mar. 25, 2026 at 12:18am
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The University of Iowa Department of Emergency Management will conduct a test of the campus HawkAlert emergency notification system on Wednesday, March 25 at 10 a.m. as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week. The test will include activating the outdoor warning sirens and sending test messages to registered users. While the drill does not include practicing shelter procedures, the university is encouraging the campus community to review emergency preparedness plans and know where to seek shelter in the event of severe weather.
Why it matters
Severe weather can pose a serious threat to campus safety, so it's critical that the university's emergency notification system is functioning properly and that students, faculty, and staff know how to respond. This annual test helps ensure the campus community is prepared to receive and act on timely severe weather alerts.
The details
The HawkAlert test on March 25 is being coordinated with the National Weather Service and Johnson County emergency management. While the sirens will sound and test messages will be sent, the university is not conducting a full shelter-in-place drill. However, the university is encouraging everyone on campus to pause and consider where they would go and what actions they would take if it were an actual tornado or severe weather warning. In the event of real severe weather on the test date, the drill may be postponed.
- The HawkAlert test will occur at approximately 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
- Severe Weather Awareness Week is recognized from March 23-27, 2026.
The players
University of Iowa Department of Emergency Management
The department responsible for coordinating the university's emergency preparedness and response efforts, including the HawkAlert notification system.
National Weather Service
The federal agency that issues weather watches, warnings, and advisories, and is partnering with the university on the severe weather drill.
Johnson County
The local county government that is also participating in the severe weather preparedness activities.
What’s next
In the event of severe weather or other active emergencies on Wednesday, the drill and HawkAlert test may be postponed.
The takeaway
This annual HawkAlert test is a critical part of the University of Iowa's efforts to keep the campus community safe and prepared for severe weather emergencies. By practicing emergency notification and response procedures, the university can help ensure students, faculty, and staff know how to act quickly and effectively when severe storms threaten.
