Tornado drill coming this month

NORWALK — There will be a tornado drill in Huron County this month, happening as a part of a larger emergency weather awareness event. The Huron County Emergency Management Agency said the drill will take place at 9:50 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18. Kye Stevens of the Huron County Emergency Management Agency provided additional context in an email to local stakeholders on Friday: Good morning, everyone, It's hard to believe March is nearly here, with Severe Weather Awareness Week right around the corner beginning on March 15. As we do each year during Severe Weather Awareness Week, Huron County will participate in the Ohio Statewide Tornado Drill on Wednesday, March 18 at 9:50 a.m. During this drill, the following test activities will be conducted: • Countywide activation of the outdoor warning sirens • A Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) test issued by Huron County EMA to all compatible mobile devices in Huron County • A text message from Regroup (our county mass communication system) to those registered • An Emergency Alert System (EAS) test will be conducted to be broadcast via television and radio • A National Weather Service message disseminated via NOAA Weather Radio The purpose of the Ohio Statewide Tornado Drill is to simulate a tornado warning to encourage schools, families, and businesses to review and practice their severe weather plans ahead of the severe weather season. To receive the WEA test, persons must ensure Emergency Alerts are enabled in their mobile device settings. The WEA message will display as one of the following, depending on the device: "This is the Huron County Emergency Management Agency conducting a TEST as part of the Ohio Statewide Tornado Drill. No action is required at this time. However, outdoor warning sirens have been activated, and we encourage you to use this opportunity to review and practice your severe weather plans. Again, this is only a test. There is no threat to the area." or "This is the Huron County Emergency Management Agency conducting a TEST!", depending on the mobile device. Please note that WEAs are delivered to mobile devices through nearby cell towers. As a result, individuals in areas near the Huron County line - such as the Village of Plymouth (Richland County), the Village of Milan (Erie County), and Kipton and Rochester (Lorain County)—may also receive our WEA test message. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.