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Technical issues thwart Va.’s annual statewide tornado drill

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia emergency management officials say the annual statewide tornado drill didn’t go as planned due to technical issues at the National Weather Service.

Media outlets report the drill was scheduled for Tuesday morning. Local radio stations, TV stations and cable outlets would then display test messages or sound an alert similar to what residents would hear if there were an actual tornado.

However, officials say in a statement that notifications from the National Weather Service to National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration radios and emergency alert system failed.

They say the weather service is working to address the issue and to prevent future problems.

Despite the malfunction, many businesses and individuals participated in the drill. Officials say social media was filled with photos and videos of tornado drills in various areas.

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