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Alexandria participating in statewide tornado drill Tuesday

By James Cullum

Alexandria is participating in an annual statewide tornado drill on Tuesday morning.

The city and state’s Office of Emergency Management are asking everyone to help promote severe weather safety by participating in the drill at 9:45 a.m.

“The drill will start at approximately 9:45 a.m. with a test tornado warning sent in the form of a required monthly test by the National Weather Service to National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios and local broadcasters,” according to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. “Local radio stations, TV stations and cable outlets will also broadcast the test message via the Emergency Alert System (EAS).”

The drill is part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, which runs from March 15-19. The city says it is an opportunity for residents and businesses to stock up on supplies, such as face masks and hand sanitizing wipes, in the event of a storm.

Image via NWS

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.