Goochland Joins Statewide Tornado Drill March 10, Tests New Alert Systems

Goochland County is participating in the 2026 Virginia Statewide Tornado Drill this morning, using the 9:45 a.m. exercise as the first real-world test of Goochland Alerts, the county's newly launched emergency and community notification system.

The National Weather Service and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management organized the drill, which falls on the second day of Severe Weather Awareness Week, running March 9 through 13 statewide. Every school, business, workplace, and family across the commonwealth is strongly encouraged to take part.

Goochland County posted its public notice on March 7, announcing both the drill and the county's intent to put its new alert platform through its paces. Residents who have not yet signed up can register at goochlandva.us/goochland-alerts.

The drill is being broadcast over NOAA Weather Radio and the Emergency Alert System as part of a Required Monthly Test. Participants should note two important limitations: no actual tornado warning will be issued, and the notification will not be sent to cell phones. Many NOAA Weather Radio receivers, including models commonly used in schools, will likely show only a blinking light rather than sounding a loud alarm during this type of monthly test.

Emergency managers recommend turning on a NOAA Weather Radio by 9:40 a.m. to listen for the broadcast, then beginning tornado safety procedures at 9:45 a.m. when the test is issued. Those without a weather radio should simply start their drill at 9:45. There will be no follow-up signal marking the end of the exercise; participants can wrap up once they have run through their tornado safety steps.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management emphasizes that there is no such thing as a tornado season. Tornadoes can strike any month of the year, and according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Virginia averages 18 per year. The storms are often hard to spot: VDEM notes they can be invisible unless dust and debris are lofted or a funnel cloud forms. Warning signs include strong, persistent rotation in the base of a cloud; whirling dust or debris on the ground with no visible funnel; hail or heavy rain followed by a sudden dead calm or sharp wind shift; and a loud, continuous roar or rumble that does not fade within a few seconds the way thunder does. Many Virginia tornadoes are wrapped in heavy precipitation and cannot be seen at all.

For Goochland residents not yet enrolled in the county's alert system, registration is open now at goochlandva.us/goochland-alerts.