Severe Thunderstorms and Possible Flooding in the East; Extreme Heat in the West.

Scattered severe storms with wind damage, large hail, and a few tornadoes will be possible this afternoon and evening across much of the Mid Atlantic and Southeast. Heavy rain may cause instances of flash flooding from eastern Kentucky to southern New York. Out west, dangerous heat will develop through Saturday, with record-breaking temperatures expected. Read More >

A statewide tornado drill conducted in South Dakota between 10:00 and 10:30 am CDT on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. Because the exercise is used to ensure communications and warning systems are functioning properly before storm season, people will see and hear the actual alerts used for tornadoes. Communities may sound local warning sirens, although the sirens may not be heard inside homes and buildings, especially large office buildings, as they are intended to alert people who are outdoors away from radio or TV. Local emergency response agencies may practice their response procedures and schools will conduct safety drills for their students.

The drill will also include a test of the Emergency Alert System, which will interrupt local media broadcasts. The scroll on television will look like a real warning, while the audio will be identified as a test.

Cell phone alerts and other electronic notification systems will not be involved in the test.

Information on preparing for storms is on the National Weather Service Safety Page.

ABR RSS Feed

Severe Thunderstorms and Possible Flooding in the East; Extreme Heat in the West.

South Dakota Tornado Drill - Wednesday, April 21, 2021 - 10:00 AM CDT