Kentucky's annual statewide tornado drill kicked off Wednesday, March 4, as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week. The drill took place at 10:07 a.m. EST (9:07 a.m. CST), giving residents, schools, and businesses a chance to practice emergency procedures before spring severe weather season arrives.
The National Weather Service issued a test tornado warning message, and in Lexington, the city's emergency management activated its outdoor warning sirens as part of the exercise. The test message activated weather alert radios and the Emergency Alert System (EAS), which broadcast on television and radio stations as well. One difference: The tornado drill did not set off a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) on mobile phones, as the system recognized the message as a test.
The drill is meant to help people practice tornado safety procedures and prepare for severe weather. Tornado preparedness is crucial in Kentucky, which experiences a significant number of tornado events each year. The statewide drill helps ensure residents, businesses, and institutions are ready to respond quickly and safely when severe weather strikes. In 2025, the Storm Prediction Center recorded 53 tornadoes in Kentucky, with 42 occurring between March and May, including a deadly EF4 that struck Russell, Pulaski, and Laurel counties on May 16–17 and claimed 19 lives.
Following the drill, emergency management officials evaluated the response and identified any areas for improvement in the state's tornado preparedness efforts. If you missed the test today, use this as a reminder to know where your safe shelter is at home, work, or school—especially as tornado season approaches.