The National Weather Service reports that 55 tornadoes touched down in Virginia last year, including the tornado that struck the Bristow Center on April 27.
Although damage to businesses at the center and the surrounding area was minimal, it does remind residents that they need to be prepared for any dangerous weather event.
The NWS with support from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management will hold their annual Virginia statewide tornado drill on March 20, at 9:45 a.m.
"To start the statewide tornado drill, a test tornado warning will be sent by the National Weather Service to NOAA Weather Radios. These radios will sound a tone alert and message or flash to indicate a message, simulating what people will hear or see during an actual tornado warning," said Laura Southard, a VDEM spokesperson. "The test message will then be broadcast by many radio and TV stations. This is only a test and not an actual tornado."
VDEM advises that when the test warning is issued, people should move as quickly as possible to a safe area in a sturdy building, which includes basements and crawl spaces, as well as interior rooms, bathrooms, closets or hallways on the lowest level of a building, keeping away from windows. Once people are in their safe areas, they should crouch down or sit on the floor, facing down, and cover their heads with their hands.
Schools throughout Prince William County will participate in the drill by having students move from classrooms to "safe areas" in their buildings.
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