Virginia Tornado Emergency Drill Draws 760K Registrants

Virginia emergency management officials say more than 760,000 have registered to participate in a statewide tornado drill in March.

The drill is a joint effort between the state Department of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service. It will take place on March 15 at 9:45 a.m.

Gov. Bob McDonnell also has proclaimed that day as Tornado Preparedness Day in Virginia.

Emergency management officials say it is important for people to know what to do if a tornado warning is issued for their area. Instructions for conduction a drill and registration for the statewide drill are available at www.vaemergency.com. Nearly half a million Virginians already have registered.

Officials say 62 tornadoes struck Virginia during the past three years, injuring more than 220 people and causing nearly $48 million in damage.