This week is Iowa Severe Weather Awareness Week, and on Wednesday there will be the statewide tornado drill operated by the National Weather Service.

The drill will serve as a test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS), as well as allowing media outlets such as Raccoon Valley Radio to get back into the swing of severe weather season. Dallas County Emergency Management Coordinator Barry Halling explains, “We do this every year in the spring, and it’s just a reminder for folks because it’s been 12 months since you’ve heard all this. And it’s just a reminder for you to remember the rules and the thought process behind severe weather. Whether it’s a tornado or a flood or those kind of things, it’s just a good reminder.”

The drill will start at 10 a.m., when the Storm Prediction Center will issue a test tornado watch for all of Iowa through the EAS. At 10:15, a test tornado warning will be issued, and will last until 10:35. The test will end at 11. During that time, cities will be testing their emergency sirens, schools can take part in a tornado drill, and Raccoon Valley Radio will run simulated Severe Weather Action Team coverage. If there is an actual severe weather emergency on Wednesday, the drill will be rescheduled to Thursday at the same time.

Listen all this week to Raccoon Valley Radio for stories and interviews focused on Severe Weather Awareness Week.