Just A Drill: Get Ready For A Texas Tornado Test

If you have a NOAA weather radio you might hear something concerning on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 9:15 AM. A four-state area tornado drill that includes Texas will be activated.

The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Shreveport will release the test to Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. Texas tornado season is April - June, and this will help us all prepare. 

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2024 was a very active, severe weather year, and patterns suggest 2025 could follow suit. The test is purposefully conducted during Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week Sunday, March 2nd - Saturday, March 8th.

Get Storm Ready With The National Weather Service

When the test goes out you will hear the following message:

"This is a test tornado drill for the National Weather Service in Shreveport's Severe Weather Awareness Week. Use this drill to practice your tornado sheltering plan. Remember, a real Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been detected by radar or has been spotted. Take immediate action to protect your life! Stay away from windows, doors, and exterior walls. Repeating, this has been a test tornado drill for the National Weather Service in Shreveport's Severe Weather Awareness Week. This concludes this test.

Use Test Time To Check Your Tornado Plan

Organizers suggest that you should take this time to check your tornado plan. During the test go to your shelter area on the lowest level in the building.

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Go to the center of an interior room like a closet or interior hallway away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. If you live in a trailer evacuate your home and move to a safe shelter such as a concrete community building.

The goal is to put as many walls between you and what is happening outside. Crouch down on the ground next to or under something sturdy and use your arms to protect your head and neck.

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If there is any severe weather in the area at the time of the test they have a make-up day at 9:15 AM on Thursday, March 6th, 2025. Find out more at www.ready.gov/tornados.