Virginia holds statewide tornado drill

RICHMOND, Va. (AP/WAVY) - The state Department of Emergency Management says more than 1 million Virginians participated in a statewide tornado drill.

The drill was held at 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday. It was a joint effort between the state emergency officials and the National Weather Service.

Students at Suffolk's Elephant's Fork Elementary School practiced the drill.

"I think our students are extremely prepared. Our building has faced unfortunate weather drills before that were the real thing. I think we did a good job," Principal Andre Skinner said.

At that time, NOAA Weather Radio broadcasted a test warning from the National Weather Service. The test warning also aired on television and radio stations.

When the test warning was heard, participants were told to move to a safe area, such as a basement, bathroom or closet on the lowest level of a building.

Over the last two years, 62 tornadoes have hit Virginia. Ten people were killed, more than 100 were injured and dozens of homes and businesses were destroyed.