Sioux Falls Holds Annual Tornado Drill to Promote Severe Weather Safety

The city's emergency preparedness event encourages residents to review and practice their safety plans.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:05pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a small town or city structure dwarfed by the overwhelming scale of a looming, turbulent storm system, conveying the sublime power of severe weather.As the Midwest braces for another severe weather season, Sioux Falls' annual tornado drill serves as a solemn reminder of the region's vulnerability to the raw power of nature.Sioux Falls Today

Sioux Falls is holding its annual community tornado drill on April 15 at 10:15 a.m. as part of South Dakota's Weather Awareness Week. The drill will activate the city's outdoor warning sirens, and officials are urging schools, businesses, and households to participate by rehearsing their severe weather safety routines. The drill is intended to reinforce the importance of preparedness as the region enters another severe weather season.

Why it matters

Tornado preparedness is crucial for Sioux Falls, which is located in an area prone to severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. The annual drill helps ensure residents, especially the most vulnerable populations, know how to respond quickly and safely when severe weather strikes.

The details

During the drill, the City of Sioux Falls will sound its outdoor warning sirens at 10:15 a.m. to prompt participants to take cover as they would in a real tornado emergency. Officials stress that sirens are designed primarily to alert people who are outdoors, and residents should not rely solely on them when inside, as they may not always be heard due to background noise or weather conditions. Wireless Emergency Alerts sent to cellphones are an additional layer of protection, especially for those indoors.

  • The tornado drill will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 10:15 a.m.

The players

Regan Smith

Sioux Falls Emergency Manager who urges residents to know and practice their severe weather safety plans.

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What they’re saying

“Preparation and practice are critical as we enter another severe weather season. We urge everyone, especially those responsible for our most vulnerable residents, to know their plans and understand how to carry them out.”

— Regan Smith, Sioux Falls Emergency Manager

What’s next

Residents can visit the National Weather Service website for more information on weather watches and warnings to further prepare for severe storms.

The takeaway

Sioux Falls' annual tornado drill is a critical community event that helps ensure residents are ready to respond quickly and safely when severe weather strikes. By practicing their safety plans, participants can improve their preparedness and resilience in the face of future tornado threats.