There may still be snow on the ground, but the National Weather Service is urging Kansans to prepare for tornado season. There is a statewide tornado drill scheduled for 1:30 this (TUE) afternoon throughout Kansas. It will include the National Weather Service as well as state and local officials. Meteorologist Brian Barjenbruch (BAR-jen-brook) says this will be an opportunity for Kansans to practice for tornado season.
Barjenbruch says the safest place to be during a tornado is an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Kansas averages about 80 tornadoes per year. Last year, the state recorded just 56 twisters.
Tornado sirens are expected to sound in most Kansas communities at 1:30 p.m. today; however, counties along the Kansas / Missouri border won't have their tornado drill until Thursday.