The National Weather Service has announced that due to the ongoing COVID-19 concerns and the recommendation of social distancing from the CDC, Iowa’s statewide tornado drill scheduled for March 25th has been canceled. The National Weather Service states that since most sheltering locations are in confined spaces, which is not where people should be congregating given ongoing concerns, and the fact the schools are out and won’t be able to practice during the drill the outcome is ineffective. Severe Weather Awareness Week will continue as normal next week, with the Iowa NWS, Iowa Homeland Security, and Emergency Management providing safety reminders. The National Weather Service is also asking Iowans to spend a few minutes next week thinking about & discussing their in-home severe weather sheltering plans.