The annual UWM tornado drill will not be conducted on our campus this year due to social distancing concerns in tornado shelter areas. Under normal circumstances we would have been conducting our annual tornado drill on Thursday, April 15, during Severe Weather Awareness Week. We ask that instead, staff members review the response to severe weather, which can be found at this link.

You may hear the county outdoor warning sirens activated at both 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. on April 15 as part of the Wisconsin Statewide Tornado Drill, but it is not necessary to assemble in a tornado shelter area unless there is an actual severe weather event occurring at that time.

We thank everyone for their past participation in our drills. We would not be able to execute successful tornado drills without your commitment and assistance. Please share this information with occupants of your respective campuses and buildings.

Here is some information about tornado watches and warnings:

Tornado Watch
Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and if the weather looks threatening, monitor local radio, television, media or UWM’s Innovative Weather for weather updates and information. Watch for alerts on your cell phone and check social media for additional information from trusted sources. Also watch for RAVE Alerts which will be issued by UWM Campus Police. You can receive RAVE Alerts on your personal computer and on your cell phone. Here is the link to add RAVE to your cell phone.

Tornado Warning
A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

Tornado Facts
• Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes a year.
• The peak tornado season in Wisconsin is April to August, but tornadoes can occur any time of year.
• Tornadoes can occur any time during the day or night but are most frequent between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• About 80% of tornadoes that hit Wisconsin are relatively weak, with winds under 100 MPH. Only 1% are violent with winds over 200 MPH.
• They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
• They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
• The average tornado moves southwest to northeast, but tornadoes may move in any direction.
• The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 mph, but may vary from stationary to 70 mph.
• Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.