Severe weather awareness week tornado drill canceled

The annual statewide tornado drills that were scheduled for today, Thursday, April 16, 2026, as part of severe weather awareness week, are being canceled because of the recent severe weather events that have impacted communities across the state. The National Weather Service says there will not be an alternative date for these drills.

The decision comes as emergency management, local agencies, and people are actively responding and recovering from the impacts of recent storms. The group ReadyWisconsin determined proceeding with the scheduled drills would place additional strain on already stretched resources as many communities continue to deal with storm impacts, assessing damage, and supporting affected family members and loved ones.