Joplin Cancels Tornado Drill Due to Forecast Storms

City officials cite potential for thunderstorms on Wednesday as reason to postpone annual preparedness exercise.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The City of Joplin has announced the cancellation of its scheduled tornado drill on Wednesday, March 4, due to the forecast of thunderstorms in the area. The National Weather Service in Springfield, Missouri, which covers the region, has also decided not to participate in the statewide drill.

Why it matters

Tornado drills are an important part of severe weather preparedness, allowing communities to test their emergency response plans and ensure residents know how to properly take shelter. Canceling the drill could leave some Joplin residents less prepared if an actual tornado were to strike.

The details

City officials say the normal monthly test of outdoor weather sirens will still take place at 10 a.m. on March 11, weather permitting. The tornado drill was part of Missouri's Severe Weather Preparedness Week, observed from March 2-6. The city's Emergency Management Director is still encouraging residents to take proactive steps to prepare for potential spring storms, such as downloading weather apps and obtaining a NOAA Weather Radio.

  • The tornado drill was originally scheduled for Wednesday, March 4.
  • The normal monthly test of outdoor weather sirens will take place on Wednesday, March 11.

The players

City of Joplin

The local government of Joplin, Missouri, which was responsible for organizing the canceled tornado drill.

National Weather Service, Springfield, Mo.

The regional office of the National Weather Service that covers southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri, and which decided not to participate in the statewide tornado drill due to the forecast storms.

David Holden

The Emergency Management Director for the City of Joplin, who is encouraging residents to take proactive steps to prepare for severe weather.

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What they’re saying

“Due to the potential for thunderstorms on Wednesday, NWS Springfield, which covers far southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri, will not be participating in the annual tornado drill.”

— National Weather Service, Springfield, Mo. (blogspot.com)

“The advantage of having a weather radio is that you hear the alerts directly from the National Weather Service and are kept current of the warning status. The phone apps also provide notifications and current information that is helpful during severe weather.”

— David Holden, Emergency Management Director (blogspot.com)

What’s next

The City of Joplin will conduct its normal monthly test of outdoor weather sirens on Wednesday, March 11, weather permitting.

The takeaway

While the cancellation of the tornado drill is disappointing, it highlights the importance of having multiple reliable sources of severe weather information, such as weather radios and mobile apps, to stay informed and prepared year-round.