The Virginia Department of Emergency Management says it is holding the annual statewide tornado drill next week.

Officials say the drill will begin at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday when the National Weather Service sends out a test tornado warning to weather radios. Television and radio stations also will broadcast a test message.

The department is encouraging residents and schools to participate. More than 500,000 people have registered to take part in next week's drill.

Officials recommend designating a tornado shelter in an interior room away from windows on the lowest level of a building, home or school.

According to the emergency management agency, 16 tornadoes hit Virginia last year.

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