UPDATE MARCH 10, 2011 -- The tornado drill originally scheduled for Tuesday, March 8, was postponed due to potential severe weather. The tornado drill will be held today, March 10. Expect sirens will sound today, March 10, at 1:30 p.m.

FEB. 28, 2011 -- It's no secret Missouri has unpredictable weather. While the region has already seen two significant tornado events in the past three months, peak tornado season doesn't begin until Mid-March, and it lasts through June.

With the goal of saving lives, the National Weather Service and the State Emergency Management Agency will mark Missouri Severe Weather Awareness Week on March 7-11 to encourage residents to plan for severe weather, including tornadoes, flooding and severe thunderstorms.

IN 2010, 65 tornadoes touched down in Missouri, according to the National Weather Service. These tornadoes resulted in five deaths. Flooding also accounted for three deaths, and lightning killed one person.

The annual Missouri Severe Weather Drill is scheduled for Tuesday, March 8. The tornado sirens, local media and NOAA Weather Radio will indicate the drill has started, and residents, businesses and schools are encouraged to practice their severe weather plans. In Illinois, a Severe Weather Drill is scheduled for Tuesday, March 1, at 10 a.m. Both drills will be cancelled if severe weather threatens the area.

The National Weather Service has prepared resources to help families, schools and businesses prepare for severe weather. See their website for more information.

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