Tornado warning test for Wyoming Wednesday

The National Weather Service (NWS) is asking Wyoming residents to use Wyoming Severe Weather Awareness Week, April 20-24, to plan and prepare for the varied weather that strikes the state.

Because spring is a time of transitions, when residents can experience late-season snowstorms and thunderstorms that can bring hail, tornadoes, and lightning, the NWS is asking residents to be ready.

“Our focus this week is on increasing preparedness and taking action to keep you and your family safe when hazardous weather threatens,” local NWS warning coordination meteorologist Chris Jones said.

Additionally, severe weather is more than just tornadoes, wind and hail.

Chad Hahn, warning coordination meteorologist at the Cheyenne NWS office, said people need to prepare for all sorts of emergencies.

“Certainly, people should practice a family tornado drill once each year and they should always take shelter indoors when thunderstorms approach,” said Hahn. “Flash floods and wildfires are also dangerous, and people need to be ready to take action when they threaten.”

The NWS advises that people understand which weather hazards are most likely to affect them and then put together emergency plans.

Additionally, people who know ahead of time where they plan to shelter save themselves valuable time when hazardous weather strikes.

Jones added that being aware through electronics can help.

“Everyone seems to have several ways in which they receive warnings. Smartphone apps, wireless emergency alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, the emergency alert system broadcasts over TV and radio, just to name a few,” Jones said. “Having several ways in which you receive warnings increases the likelihood that you take action.”

A test Tornado Warning will be issued by the NWS for the entire state on Wednesday, April 22, at 10:30 a.m. to ensure statewide emergency communications and alerting capabilities are ready for the thunderstorm season.

Broadcasters and public safety alerting points across Wyoming will be participating in the test.

Schools, health care and continuing-care facilities, and other large venues are encouraged to use the drill to test internal emergency procedures.