This article summarizes Minnesota’s Severe Weather Week, a statewide safety initiative led by Homeland Security and Emergency Management in partnership with the National Weather Service.
Across five days, the program emphasizes drills, education, and preparedness for tornadoes, floods, hail, wind, lightning, and extreme heat.
A highlight this year is the simulated tornado warnings broadcast during outdoor siren tests at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. on Thursday.
These tests are designed to help residents recognize warnings and practice protective actions.
What Severe Weather Week Means for Minnesota
Severe Weather Week is a public education effort to remind and prepare residents for seasonal threats.
Local authorities, including Blue Earth County Emergency Management, encourage participation in drills and the review of emergency procedures.
For those seeking more information, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s page on Severe Weather Awareness Week is a key resource.
Monday: Alerts and Warnings
The first day centers on understanding how alerts and warnings reach the public and what actions to take when they appear.
This foundation helps all residents distinguish between watches and warnings and know when to seek shelter or take other protective steps.
- Set up and test multiple alert channels such as smartphone notifications and a NOAA Weather Radio to ensure you don’t miss critical updates.
- Learn the difference between a watch and a warning and practice the recommended responses, so your household can react quickly during an event.
- Incorporate alerts into your family emergency plan, making sure everyone, including children and pets, knows where to go and what to do.
Tuesday: Hail, Wind, and Lightning
Tuesday concentrates on severe convective hazards—hail, damaging winds, and lightning—that can accompany strong thunderstorms.
The focus is on timely sheltering and safeguarding people and property during rapidly changing weather conditions.
- Seek sturdy shelter indoors away from windows and exterior walls during thunderstorms with strong winds, hail, or lightning.
- Avoid using corded phones and pluggin-in electronics when lightning is nearby; unplug sensitive devices when advised to do so.
- Secure outdoor items to reduce projectiles and damage, and stay alert for fast-changing weather.
Wednesday: Flooding
Flooding safety is a central theme on Wednesday.
The CDC cautions that more than half of flood-related drownings occur when people drive into hazardous floodwater.
Six inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult, 12 inches can sweep away most cars, and 24 inches can carry away SUVs and trucks.
These numbers underscore the importance of turning around and not drowning when floodwaters are present.
- Turn around, don’t drown—if you encounter floodwater on a road, do not attempt to drive through it; seek higher ground or a safe alternative route.
- Avoid flooded areas even if water seems shallow; unseen hazards and road damage can be present beneath the surface.
- Keep emergency kits ready and have a plan for family members to reunite if waterways interrupt normal routines.
Thursday: Tornadoes
Thursday focuses on tornado awareness and protective actions, aligning with the day’s simulated tornado warnings.
Residents are encouraged to participate in drills and know the safest places in their homes or buildings to shelter when a tornado warning is issued.
- Identify a safe room or interior shelter on the lowest level away from windows and exterior doors.
- Practice a tornado drill with all household members so everyone knows where to go and what to do when warnings sound.
- Listen for official guidance through sirens and official channels and follow directions promptly to stay safe.
Friday: Extreme Heat
Friday highlights precautions for extreme heat, an increasingly common hazard.
The emphasis is on staying hydrated, reducing outdoor exposure during peak sun hours, and checking on vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and pets.
- Hydrate regularly and take breaks in shade or indoors with air conditioning.
- Limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day and wear light, breathable clothing.
- Protect heat-sensitive groups by checking in on neighbors and coordinating community support for those at higher risk.
Officials emphasize using Severe Weather Week to create or refresh an emergency plan.
Assemble or update an emergency preparedness kit.
For more information, visit dps.mn.gov and search for “Severe Weather Awareness Week.”
Here is the source article for this story: Severe weather awareness on the radar