With several tornados already confirmed in Rock county this year, the statewide tornado drill Thursday is more important than ever.

Rock County Emergency Management Director Shena Kohler says statewide tornado drills are happening at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.

If there is a threat of severe weather Thursday the drills will be moved to Friday.

Kohler says citizens should use this time to create an emergency plan and practice it, assemble an emergency kit with non-perishable food and water, and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts including a cell phone and NOAA weather radio.

Governor Tony Evers has declared April 17th through the 21st Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness week in Wisconsin.