MISSOURI ANNUAL TORNADO DRILL TO BE HELD TODAY 

Missouri’s Annual Statewide Tornado Drill is set for today as a part of Missouri Severe Weather Preparedness week.  

The drill is scheduled for 11 am and officials say that residents should treat the drill as if it were an actual Tornado Warning. 

At 11 am, NOAA Weather Radios set to receive the Routine Weekly Tests will alert listeners that the tornado drill has begun. Outdoor warning sirens will also sound across participating communities in Missouri. 

The purpose of the drill is to test everyone's readiness for life-threatening severe weather events such as tornadoes, flash floods, and damaging winds. 

Officials say that it is important to have a tornado safety plan in place before a tornado strikes. Knowing what to do before a tornado occurs is essential to protect lives.  

You can find information on steps to take to protect yourself and your family in the case of a tornado at weather.gov/safety/tornado-prepare. 

The 2026 Missouri Earthquake Summit will also be coming to Poplar Bluff on Tuesday, March 24th at the Black River Coliseum. More information is available at sema.dps.mo.gov.

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REQUESTED IN FATAL CRASH INVESTIGATION 

Authorities are asking for the public’s help following a fatal crash early Monday morning in Carter County. 

Carter County Sheriff Alonzo Bradwell tells KWOC News, the incident occurred early Monday morning at approximately 1:50 am in the eastbound lanes of U.S. Highway 60 at Highway J. 

Officials say a pedestrian was fatally struck while outside a white Ford vehicle pulling a camper, which was stopped in the right turn lane onto State Route J. 

The Carter County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crash Reconstruction Team, and the investigation remains ongoing. 

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information is asked to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 573-840-9500 or the Carter County Sheriff’s Office at 573-323-4510.

THIS WEEK IS MISSOURI SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK 

State and National officials are using this week to encourage Missourians to learn more about severe weather and how to protect themselves. 

This week is Missouri Severe Weather Preparedness Week, which will include “Receive Weather Information Day” today, “Lightning Safety Day” on Tuesday, “Tornado Safety Day” on Wednesday, “Hail and Wind Safety Day” on Thursday, and “Flood Safety Day” on Friday. 

Missouri’s annual Statewide Tornado Drill will also be held on Wednesday at 11 am. 

For today, officials are urging residents to follow local forecasts anytime severe weather is anticipated. Remember to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, in case one fails or if severe weather strikes overnight. 

More information can be found at StormAware.mo.gov.

20TH ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF SET FOR SATURDAY

The Mason-Dixon Chili Society’s 20th annual Chili Cook-Off is coming this weekend.

The event will be held from 11 am to 2 pm on Saturday at the Black River Coliseum.

Proceeds from the Cook-Off go to benefit the United Gospel Rescue Mission.

More information is available on the Mason-Dixon Chili Society Facebook page.