Statewide Tornado Drill Scheduled for Wednesday

Now is the time to prepare for the severe weather season.

The 2026 North Carolina Severe Weather Preparedness Week is taking place March 1 through March 7. Learn how to receive weather alerts and how to prepare to stay safe.

Tornado Drill Scheduled for Wednesday

On Wednesday, March 4, at 9:30 a.m., the National Weather Service, in cooperation with local broadcasters, will conduct a statewide tornado drill. The alarm test will come in the form of a required monthly test. It will activate the State Emergency Alert System, and local radio broadcasters will carry it. Weather experts encourage schools, businesses, and families to participate in the drill.

Here's what you need to know:

• The drill will be broadcast on NOAA weather radio and the Emergency Alert System. There will not be an actual tornado warning issued.
• Many NOAA weather radio receivers don't sound an audible alert for the monthly test. Instead, they may have a blinking light on the display. When the test for the tornado drill is initiated, there is a chance that your NOAA weather radio won't sound an alarm, so you may want to do one of the following:
  • Manually turn on your NOAA weather radio receiver and listen to the broadcast to hear when the test is issued. That will mark the beginning of the statewide drill.
  • Or plan to start your tornado drill on your own at 9:30 a.m.
• There won't be a statement issued by the Weather Service to mark the end of the drill.
• This drill will replace the regular weekly NOAA weather radio alert test. That means the weekly radio test won't be conducted between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. on that day.

Where Can I Learn More?

Visit the North Carolina Department of Public Safety's preparedness website at readync.gov. There you can find variety of information and links to a free cell phone app that will help you plan and prepare for the severe weather season.