Severe Weather Awareness Week

Today (Monday) begins Severe Weather Awareness Week and will run through Friday. Each day is devoted to a specific topic. They are:
Monday- Alerts and Warnings,
Tuesday- Severe Weather, Lightning and Hail,
Wednesday- Floods,
Thursday- Tornadoes (with statewide tornado drills),
Friday- Extreme Heat.
The annual statewide tornado drills are scheduled for Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. During these drills, the county outdoor warning sirens and NOAA Weather Radios will sound in a simulated tornado warning.  Both drills are intended to give the public the opportunity to practice their tornado sheltering procedures.  The first drill is an opportunity for schools, businesses and those working during the day to practice while  the evening drill allows second shift workers and families at home to do the same.  Severe Weather Awareness week is designed to refresh, remind and educate everyone about the seasonal  threats from severe weather and how to avoid them.
Officials say it’s also a great time to make and practice your emergency plan and build or refresh your  emergency preparedness kit.  More information can be found on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s website.