Willow Springs, MO. – There will be a statewide tornado drill taking place next month on Wednesday, March 6th. This test will include local sirens being activated for a short period, as well as NOAA Weather Radios receiving broadcasts of Routine Weekly Tests. Willow Springs has recently made an announcement stating their official participation in the testing. Read below for the release.
Missouri’s 2024 statewide tornado drill will be held on Wednesday, March 6 at 11 a.m. and the City of Willow Springs will be participating by activating our storm sirens at that specific time. This is an opportunity for the community to practice their sheltering plans and ensure readiness in case of a severe weather emergency while at home, work, or school. By practicing and increasing readiness across Willow Springs, we will feel confident and prepared in the event of actual severe weather emergencies. This is also a good time to implement a way to receive weather alerts by phone, television, weather radio or any other means available.
At 11:00 a.m. on the day of the drill, NOAA Weather Radios set to receive the Routine Weekly Tests (RWTs) will alert listeners that the tornado drill has begun. Outdoor warning sirens will also sound across Willow Springs. At this time, participants should practice taking cover in their designated shelter. The Willow Springs R-4 school district will also be participating in the drill.
Severe weather can strike at any time in Missouri, making it important for all of us to be prepared to find the most secure shelter available no matter where we are. As spring approaches, the probability of severe weather heightens for our area, therefore, making a plan with your family or workplace now is important. The City of Willow Springs monitors weather anytime a threat is probable in the Emergency Operations Center located in the Willow Springs Police Department and sirens are activated when a tornado warning has been issued for our area. The storm shelter is located on 4th street attached to the high school and is opened when a tornado warning is issued for our community.
The City of Willow Springs has five outdoor warning sirens located strategically throughout the city limits of Willow Springs. Sirens are an outdoor warning system designed only to alert those who are outside that something dangerous is approaching so that they can move to shelter.
If you do not have a NOAA Weather Radio, there are other methods for receiving weather alerts from the National Weather Service. Tune in to your local radio and television stations for the latest news and updates on the situation or turn to Facebook and get information from our City of Willow Springs page or the Howell County Emergency Management page.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to staff at City Hall at 417-469-2107.
