Virginia Statewide Tornado Drill Scheduled for 9:45 a.m. Today

City of Lynchburg Encourages Residents to Participate in the Drill

Virginia’s annual statewide tornado drill will take place today, Tuesday, March 10, at 9:45 a.m., giving schools, businesses, and households across the Commonwealth an opportunity to practice tornado safety procedures. Virginia Department of Emergency Management encourages all Virginians to register their participation in the drill and to share photos and updates on social media to promote preparedness across the Commonwealth.

Here are some key points to remember about the drill:

• The drill will be broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio and the Emergency Alert System via the Required Monthly Test (RMT). There WILL NOT be an actual Tornado Warning issued.
• Most NOAA Weather Radios DO NOT sound an audible alert for the Required Monthly Test; instead, they may have a blinking light on the display to indicate that an RMT was received. As such, when the RMT for the statewide tornado drill is initiated at 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, there is a good chance your NOAA Weather Radio will not automatically sound an alarm. 
• Since your NOAA Weather Radio may not sound an alarm at the time the RMT is issued, you will want to do one of the following:  
• You can turn your radio on to listen to the broadcast by 9:40 am and when you hear the alert, simply start your tornado drill at 9:45 a.m.  
• If you do not have a NOAA Weather Radio, simply start your drill and enact your safety plan at 9:45 a.m.
• Schools and businesses are encouraged to treat the drill as if it were a real tornado warning and practice your tornado shelter procedures.
• During the drill, participants should move to a pre-identified safe location, such as the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
• Stay away from windows and exterior walls. Review emergency communication plans and ensure multiple ways to receive weather alerts, including NOAA Weather Radio, smartphone alerts, and local media.
• There will be no follow-up statements issued by the NWS to mark the end of the statewide tornado drill. It will simply be over when your group, school, business, organization or family feel you have adequately practiced your tornado shelter procedures.

Virginia averages 15–20 tornadoes per year. Their size and strength vary, but they always pose a risk of injury, fatalities, and property damage. This drill is an important opportunity for businesses, families, and individuals to practice and refine their emergency plans.