On Thursday, Wisconsin and Minnesota will hear two siren sounds.

As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, residents in Minnesota and Wisconsin are warned to get ready for the possibility that sirens will ring twice on Thursday. According to the National Weather Service, tornado sirens will sound twice at 1:45 and 6:45 p.m.

Unlike the regular monthly drills, these tests are designed to make sure that everyone is aware of what to do in case of severe weather. The weekly test code will be started by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and updates will be shared on social media by the NWS.

When necessary, local authorities—counties and cities included—have the authority to turn on sirens. The sirens, which may sound for up to three minutes, warn of impending severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes with speeds of up to 70 to 80 mph.

April 8–12 is Severe Weather Awareness Week, a time to emphasize the value of being ready and responding to natural disasters. Remain vigilant and knowledgeable.