Still looks and feels like winter, but state prepares for mock tornado warnings Thursday

It might not feel like spring yet with snow and cold temps, but Wisconsin is thrusting our minds into tornadoes and thunderstorms with Severe Weather Awareness week.

Thursday, there will be a pair of “statewide mock tornado warnings” at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., according to La Crosse County emergency management director Keith Butler.

The reasoning for the second drill, Butler said, is so “families can all get together and they can also practice the way that kids did at school.”

Butler also brought up that businesses should take the time to evaluate their plans.

“Whether it’s a business or a type of retail, where you have dozens of customers, you should have the means to receive those warnings and to know what to do with those people that are in your building if severe weather should be imenet,” Butler said.

All media outlets will send out severe weather alerts like those that would happen during an emergency.