Warning system test set for this afternoon

A reminder that there will be a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert and Wireless Emergency Alert systems this afternoon that will send messages to your phone, as well as over the radio and on television.

The tests will happen at about 2:20 p.m. this afternoon. The alerts will include a unique tone and vibration and all wireless phones should receive the message only once.

The purpose of the test is to ensure that the systems are available to warn the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. In case today’s test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the back-up testing date is Oct. 11.