The National Weather Service, State Emergency Management Agency and local emergency managers are encouraging Missourians to learn more about severe weather and how to protect themselves during Missouri Severe Weather Preparedness Week. The annual Statewide Tornado Drill is this morning at 10 a.m. The State Emergency Management Agency Director says as the 10-year anniversary of the Joplin tornado approaches, we’re reminded of the tremendous importance of preparing for severe weather no matter where we are. This includes having an emergency plan in place and putting it into action before severe weather occurs in your area. The EF-5 tornado that struck Joplin, at 5:41 p.m. on Sunday, May 22, 2011 is considered the deadliest single tornado in the U.S. since official records began in 1950. More than 160 lives were lost.