MN Severe Weather Awareness Week Begins

Monday is the first day of Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota.  It’s a reminder that you should be prepared for the severe weather that can occur in the spring and summer. Monday’s focus is on alerts and warnings.

Modern technology provides several ways to get severe weather news.  You can subscribe to get alerts on your cell phone.  NOAA weather radios also keep you up to date on anything severe in your area.  And communities are equipped with storm sirens to let you know there’s a storm on the way.  Sirens are activated when there’s a tornado warning or severe thunderstorm warning in your county.  If you’re wondering when a siren is being tested or issuing a warning, a siren will sound for three minutes when a warning has been issued.  Also, sirens will not be activated for an all clear once the storm system has passed.

There are three types of alerts you’ll get from the National Weather Service: an advisory, a watch and a warning.  An advisory is issued when hazardous weather is taking place or is imminent….and advisories are for less serious conditions.  The next step up is a watch, which means conditions are favorable for dangerous weather to occur.  This means you should be aware of changing weather conditions.  Sometimes a severe thunderstorm or tornado happens so quickly, there’s no time to issue a warning. And finally, there’s a warning.  That means severe weather, like a thunderstorm or tornado, is occurring.  And you should take action immediately. Seek shelter.  Protect yourself and your family from the threat of severe weather.  

Tuesday’s focus will be on severe weather, lightning and hail.  And another part of Severe Weather Awareness Week will be the statewide tornado drill on Thursday.