Severe weather is knocking on the door in Nebraska, and local and state officials want you to be ready when it strikes.

In observance of Severe Weather Awareness Week, there will be a statewide tornado drill Wednesday, March 26, between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. CDT.

The National Weather Service says the purpose of the drill is to ensure that Nebraskans can adequately receive a tornado warning and to practice any actions which would be taken to protect their life in the event of a real tornado.

Officials say the drill presents an excellent opportunity for everyone at work, school or home to practice their safety measures.

The weather service will issue a test tornado watch for North Platte and the surrounding area at 10:00 a.m. CDT,  and a test tornado warning at 10:35 a.m.

The North Platte 911 Center said the sirens will be sounded in the city of North Platte in conjunction with the drill.

They also want to take this opportunity to remind citizens to sign up for CodeRED Weather Warnings.

CodeRED will alert citizens in the direct path of severe weather.  Users opt in to receive the alerts they are interested in, and both cell phones and landlines can be registered.

To register, click here.