Tornado Drill Set for Feb. 4 to Help Residents Prepare for Nature's Most Violent Storms

Tornadoes can cut across Hillsborough County with little to no warning. These violent whirlwinds can form over land or water, and wind speeds can reach over 200 mph. This is what makes them so deadly.

Tornado drill

As part of Severe Weather Week and to help residents, organizations, and businesses prepare, a statewide Tornado Drill will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Groups throughout the Tampa Bay region are invited to host a drill or discuss what actions to take if a tornado threatened.

At approximately 10 a.m., the National Weather Service will issue a practice Tornado Warning. The Warning will be broadcast on NOAA Alert Radio as a "routine weekly test" message. This drill is voluntary. School districts, private schools, preschools, and day care centers are encouraged to participate in the drill. On the morning of the drill, all participants should consider themselves under a Tornado Watch. A Watch means you should monitor the weather and be prepared to go to a safe place in the event of a Warning.

Many of Florida's tornadoes happen during the spring and summer months, but the reality is they can occur in all seasons. According to the National Weather Service, tornadoes can occur at any time of day or night, regardless of the hour.

Disaster preparedness

Visit Severe Weather Awareness Week 2026 to gain insights on how to prepare for a tornado and other drastic weather conditions.

Sign up for HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County's official notification system for emergency messages and urgent information to receive messages by email, phone, and text at HCFL.gov/HCFLAlert.

For more information, including the County's Disaster Planning Guide, go to HCFL.gov/StaySafe.