Statewide Tornado Drills Set for Thursday as Severe Weather Awareness Week Continues

(KNSI) – Thursday marks the centerpiece of Severe Weather Awareness Week across Minnesota, with two statewide tornado drills scheduled to help residents practice their safety plans.

The National Weather Service, the Minnesota Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and other agencies have coordinated the drills for 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. During both drills, outdoor warning sirens and other notification systems will be activated in most counties. NOAA Weather Radio will also trigger its alarm during both tests.

Sirens are owned and operated by local counties and cities, not the National Weather Service. Activation policies vary by jurisdiction. Sirens typically sound for about three minutes before going silent to preserve backup batteries. Some jurisdictions may repeat activation every few minutes during an active warning. There is no “all clear” siren signal for storms.

Twin Cities Meteorologist Ryan Dunleavy told KNSI News the dual drill schedule is so people can practive at work and home. “This is kind of the king, or the queen, of Severe Weather Awarness Week. The biggest hazard that we’ll have here in the northern plains is tornadoes.”

Dunleavy urged residents not to rely solely on outdoor sirens for their warnings. “They’re meant to be heard outdoors. There is also the challenge of having outdoor sirens in more rural communities. They’re more common in places where there’s a higher population of people. But that’s why we also want to stress that you have multiple means to get warning.”

Dunleavy recommended keeping a NOAA Weather Radio, smartphone alerts and social media notifications active as backup sources of severe weather information.

When a real tornado threatens, Dunleavy said residents should head to the basement if one is available. Those without a basement should move to the lowest floor and find the most interior room possible, putting as many walls between themselves and the outside as they can. Closets and bathrooms are good options. In schools and office buildings, residents should move to pre-designated shelter areas or interior hallways, crouch down and protect their head and neck.

Residents in mobile homes, cars or other vehicles should abandon them quickly and seek a sturdy permanent structure if a tornado approaches. Bridges should be avoided, as they can act as wind tunnels. More information on Severe Weather Awareness Week is available by clicking here.

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