A tornado hit Appomattox County and other parts of Virginia in a deadly storm on Feb. 24, 2016. (Courtesy of Virginia Department of Emergency Management)

About a year ago, four people died and more than 45 were injured in a tornado that hit Virginia. To mark the Feb. 24 anniversary, officials are reminding area residents to register, starting Tuesday, in an annual “Tornado Drill.”

The event will be held at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday. The drill involves a “test tornado warning” that will be sent by the National Weather Service to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The NOAA weather radios will then send a tone alert that shows a text message or a flash to say there is a message. It is similar to what people would see or hear during an actual tornado warning, officials with Fairfax County said. The text message is also broadcast by local radio, TV and cable stations.

In the past, 1 million Virginia residents have signed up for tornado drills, officials said. To register, go to www.vaemergency.gov/prepare-recover/threat/tornadoes.

The 2016 tornado that hit Virginia Feb. 24 was the deadliest since 1959. There were several reports of tornadoes touching down in Sussex and Appomattox counties, along with the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula areas, officials said.

[Severe storm kills 4 in Virginia, causes power outages in D.C. area]

In a news release issued Monday, Fairfax County emergency personnel said “Virginians must prepare for the possibility of tornadoes and other natural disasters.”

Bill Sammler of the National Weather Service said in a statement, “tornadoes can occur any month of the year.” He said Virginia averages 16 tornadoes a year.

“When a tornado watch is issued for your area,” he said, residents should “know where to seek shelter.”

A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area. A tornado warning indicates a tornado has been sighted, and individuals should take cover immediately.