Officials are alerting Alaskans to an upcoming test of the state's tsunami warning system. They want to avoid confusion, because it may appear to some observers that an actual alert is taking place.
The National Weather Service, the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and local broadcasters plan to conduct the test of the system on Wednesday, March 29 at 10:15 a.m. in coastal areas of southern Alaska, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Broadcasting of the test will happen on NOAA weather information radio stations and local radio and television stations. Residents in some communities may also hear warning sirens.
"Some television systems are programmed to scroll a standard emergency alert text message and, in some cases, the message may not contain the word 'TEST.' An audio message will state that the message is only a test, but if the audio is unheard, viewers may not realize the message is only a test," NOAA said.
The Kenai Peninsula will be under a warning for the purposes of the test, said Audrey Rubel with NOAA.
"Some people may not hear the audio and we want them to know that what is happening is only a test," she said.
To avoid confusion if an actual alert needs to occur, the test will be canceled if there is significant seismic activity within a day of the test, officials said.