GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week from March 20 to 26, some Michigan cities will test their tornado sirens at 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Expect an emergency alert test on T.V. Sirens will sound on a location-to-location basis.

The National Weather Service postponed its radio test scheduled for Wednesday. The decision was made due to the potential for severe weather in the Lower Peninsula and possible hazardous winter weather conditions in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula.

Grand Rapids will start its standard monthly tornado siren testing at noon on Friday, April 1, and continue testing every first Friday of the month through October.

Michigan residents, businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate in the drill. You’re also advised to become familiar with severe weather warnings, prepare an emergency kit, prepare an emergency plan, and to gather emergency contact information. 

Stay connected with a NOAA Weather Radio, which acts as an alarm clock for severe weather. When severe weather develops, the NOAA Weather Radio will alert the public to severe weather watches and warnings for a specific county.

Another way to stay connected is by downloading the free Storm Team 8 weather app. Stay up to date with Storm Track Live Radar, current weather conditions and forecast details right from the palm of your hand.

It is important to prepare a kit to have ready at all times in the event severe weather strikes this season. Make an emergency preparedness kit with items such as a three-day supply of water and food, a NOAA weather radio, important family documents, and items that satisfy individual family needs.

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

A Tornado Watch means conditions exist that could lead to a tornado development; a Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar.

There are several warning signs of a tornado approaching: dark, often greenish skies; large hail; dark, low-lying clouds; and a loud roar. Most people describe this as the sound of a freight train. 

STAY ALERT

Stay tuned to commercial radio or television broadcasts for news on changing weather conditions or approaching storms.

For more information about being safe before, during and after a tornado, follow the MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS or go to www.michigan.gov/miready