Severe Weather Awareness Week: Tornadoes

April 7-11 is Severe Weather Awareness Week. It’s a time where we help educate the public about severe weather preparedness, safety and the importance of weather awareness. Let’s take a closer look at tornadoes.

Tornadoes

During Severe Weather Awareness Week, it's crucial to focus on tornado safety. Tornadoes can develop rapidly, and they are responsible for an average of 60-65 fatalities and 1,500 injuries annually.

Being prepared and understanding the right actions to take can help minimize the risks and ensure your safety during these severe storms.

In Minnesota, tornadoes generally occur between May and September with June and July as peak months. Tornadoes are most likely to develop between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m.

On average, the state experiences around 40 tornadoes each year. In 2024, Minnesota experienced 30 tornadoes statewide, with a total of 41 tornado-related storm reports.

Just like all weather, tornadoes can be unpredictable. They have been recorded in every month of the year and at any time of the day, making it crucial to stay prepared and aware.

Watch vs. warning

It is important to know the difference between a watch and a warning when it comes to severe weather. Understanding this difference helps you respond appropriately and stay safe during severe weather events.

A watch is issued when conditions are favorable for tornadoes. If you're in a watch area, you can continue with normal activities, but it's important to stay alert and make plans to seek shelter if necessary.

Warnings are issued when a tornado has been reported or is imminent. If you're in or near the path of the storm, seek shelter immediately. Warnings are issued by county and city names, so it's important to know the name of the county you live in or are visiting and the surrounding cities.

Tornado safety

When a tornado strikes it is important to know where to go. Find a safe location in your home such as a basement, storm cellar, or interior room on the lowest floor (away from windows).

If you are in a vehicle and cannot drive to a safe location, look for an area below the roadway, such as a ditch, and lie down flat, covering your head.

Do not take shelter under overpasses, as they can increase the risk of injury from flying debris and wind speeds. Finding low ground and staying low to the ground is your safest option.

Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes. If you're in a mobile home, abandon it immediately and seek shelter in a nearby sturdy building or designated storm shelter.

Tornado drills

Thursday’s first tornado siren test sounded at 1:45 p.m. The second will happen at 6:45 p.m.

This is a great opportunity to practice what to do in case of an emergency. Use this time to review and update your emergency plans, ensuring that everyone in your household knows the best course of action if severe weather strikes.