In an effort to bolster community preparedness against severe weather, Maryland officials are launching the Great Maryland Twister Test. This state-wide tornado drill, scheduled for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, is part of the broader Maryland Severe Storms Awareness Week running from April 8-14.
The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM), in collaboration with the National Weather Service (NWS) and other partners, is coordinating this initiative. At the heart of the drill is the dissemination of a tornado warning statement via National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radios. It’s important to note, however, that this will involve an Emergency Alert System (EAS) test code which may not activate some weather radios and won’t trigger Wireless Emergency Alerts on cell phones.
Schools, businesses, community groups, and individuals are all encouraged to participate in the drill. MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland emphasized the unpredictability of tornadoes and the critical need for knowing the fastest route to safety. “Tornadoes strike with little or no warning, so knowing how to receive a warning and quickly move to safety is essential,” said Strickland.
For those under a tornado warning, the advice is to seek immediate shelter in a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, avoiding windows, doors, and outside walls. The guidance further advises against taking shelter under overpasses or bridges and to watch out for flying debris.
Maryland’s history with tornadoes, including fatalities in LaPlata, College Park, and Baltimore City since 2000, underscores the importance of this drill. Tornadoes in the state have brought winds ranging from 80-110 miles per hour, and in some cases, even 150-200 miles per hour.
The drill also coincides with guidance issued to both public and private schools by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS), encouraging practice of the drill if possible.
Furthermore, Maryland residents are encouraged to download the MdReady WebApp for access to emergency notifications and preparedness information. The WebApp and text alert sign-ups are available in multiple languages, enhancing accessibility for Maryland’s diverse population.
This year also marks the 50th anniversary of one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history, which, while not affecting Maryland directly, serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive potential of severe weather.
For more information on the Great Maryland Twister Test and severe storms preparedness, residents can visit the Maryland Department of Emergency Management’s website.
