Wireless Emergency Alert Test Thursday In Virginia, DC

If you're anywhere in the area between 10-11 a.m. Thursday and you also have a cell phone, don't be startled when it emits a loud buzzing sound and begins vibrating. It's the National Capital Region test of the Wireless Emergency Alerts system.

Then, the 20 area jurisdictions will issue a text message: "A test of the (area town or county) Emergency Alert System. No action required." The tone and the vibration will be repeated twice.

You'll get the message no matter where you are or what you're doing—driving, working or whatever. Officials stress the disruption will be minimal. They want to get the word out to as many people as possible. Click here for more information about the WEA.

Image via FCC