Statewide Tornado Drill

Don't forget to take a few pics during the drill and post them on social media and tag VDEM!

When it comes to tornadoes, there's no such thing as "tornado season". Tornadoes can strike anywhere, anytime, and you need to know the drill.

Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms. They can appear suddenly without warning and can be invisible until dust and debris are picked up or a funnel cloud appears. Be prepared to act quickly.

Know the Signs:

• Strong, persistent rotation in the base of a cloud
• Whirling dust or debris on the ground under a cloud base - tornadoes sometimes have no visible funnel
• Hail or heavy rain followed by a dead calm or a fast, intense wind shift. Many tornadoes, especially in Virginia, are wrapped in heavy precipitation and can't be seen.
• Loud, continuous roar or rumble, which doesn't fade away in a few seconds like thunder.