ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Statewide tornado drills scheduled for Tuesday in Missouri and Kansas have been postponed because of a small risk of an actual tornado.

The National Weather Service postponed the drills on Monday to avoid any confusion. Thunderstorms are possible in parts of both states on Tuesday.

The drills are now scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday in both states.

The National Weather Service and the State Emergency Management Agency have declared the week of March 8-12 as Severe Weather Awareness Week for Missouri. Officials are urging residents to develop an understanding of weather safety issues and to have a plan in place if bad weather occurs.