Wisconsin Holds Statewide Tornado Drill on April 16

Sirens to sound twice on the same day to test emergency preparedness

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Wisconsin Emergency Management has announced that the state's annual tornado drill will take place on April 16, with sirens sounding at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. that day. The drill is designed to ensure proper safety procedures are in place in the event of a real tornado emergency.

Why it matters

Tornado preparedness is crucial for Wisconsin residents, as the state experiences an average of 23 tornadoes per year. The annual drill helps communities test their emergency response plans and encourages individuals to review their own safety protocols.

The details

The Wisconsin Statewide Tornado Drill will involve the sounding of sirens at two different times on April 16 to simulate a tornado warning. Officials encourage people to practice safety skills, such as seeking shelter in the lowest floor of a building, and to stay in touch with community members to know the safest spaces in the event of a real tornado.

  • The tornado drill will begin at 1:45 p.m. on April 16, 2026.
  • A second tornado drill will take place at 6:45 p.m. on April 16, 2026.

The players

Wisconsin Emergency Management

The state agency responsible for coordinating emergency preparedness and response efforts in Wisconsin.

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What’s next

After the drill, Wisconsin Emergency Management will evaluate the state's tornado preparedness and identify any areas for improvement.

The takeaway

The annual tornado drill is a crucial exercise for Wisconsin residents to ensure they are prepared to respond quickly and safely in the event of a real tornado emergency.