This is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Nebraska, highlighted by a statewide tornado drill this morning.
Jared Allen, warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Cheyenne, says the drill will be short and sweet.
The city of Chadron plans to activate its sirens at that time and Allen says KCSR, KBPY, and other broadcasters will automatically sent out the drill in place of the regular weekly test from the Weather Service.
The Cheyenne office has traditionally used the weeks before and after Severe Weather Awareness Week to hold spotter training classes across the Panhandle.
Allen says the agency is now offering fewer sessions in-person and more online, but that there is live in-person training tonight at 6:00 in the Hemingford Fire Hall.
Allen says a full range of classes are being offered online through the Weather Service office in Cheyenne.
Allen says this morning’s tornado drill is a chance for cities and other jurisdictions to test their warning systems to make sure they’re operating properly heading into severe weather season
He says it also gives families, schools, hospitals, businesses, and government offices the chance to practice their emergency response plans as well.
Governor Jim Pillen is urging all Nebraskans to prepare or update an emergency response plan dealing with the possibility of tornadoes, floods, and other life-threatening weather developments.