Wisconsin Army National Guard trains for severe weather in 'Operation Triple Tornado'



CEDARBURG (WITI) -- There was a very large military presence throughout Ozaukee County today. On the heels of Severe Weather Awareness Week, local agencies were training with the Army National Guard on how to respond to the aftermath of a deadly tornado outbreak.

The Army National Guard has mobilized in the heart of Cedarburg.

"The simulation is that there are three tornadoes that went through Ozaukee County in different paths," said Katie Eggers, Sergeant with the Wisconsin Army National Guard.

To coordinate a response involving hundreds of soldiers police, firefighters and civilians.

"In this simulation, we have been called up to state active duty along with a few other units," said Eggers.

Communication is key during any disaster response. Inside the army tent is the hub of a combined effort to get Cedarburg back online.

"Crucial not only that we know where they are but where they are needed so we can more effectively and efficiently use them so that we can get from point A to point B," said Shawn Vele, Major with the Wisconsin Army National Guard.

While this is a simulation, its components are based largely on the devastating tornado that hit Joplin, Missouri in 2011. And the exercises didn't start as soon as the tornado hit -- actually 96 hours after touchdown.

"This is more how to get life back to normal, get people back to their homes, get businesses back open, get that economic drive going back again," said Scott Ziegler, Ozaukee County Emergency Management.

The exercise includes getting fresh water flowing to an area hospital, restoring damaged roads, and power to the city, all challenges that faced Joplin nearly four years ago.

"The pieces that are taking place inside the community today are to represent the emergency functions that we would have to engage in if such a scenario took place here," said Paul Felician, with the Wisconsin Army National Guard.

This one exercise, lasting four days required more than a year of planning.

Aurora Medicall Center and Columbia St. Mary's Ozaukee, also played a role in this weekend's simulation as the National Guard trained to restoring running water into area hospitals.