Statewide Tornado Drills Set For Today
For more than 20 years, the state of Minnesota has conducted a Severe Weather Awareness Week in partnership with the National Weather Service and local governments. Today's statewide tornado drills are part of that event. 98.1, Minnesota's New Country along with other radio & TV stations will be participating in the drill.
Simulated tornado watches and warnings will be issued to test the statewide warning and communications systems. All counties in Minnesota normally participate in the first drill at 1:45 p.m. unless actual severe weather is expected. The schedule is as follows:
- 1:00 p.m. All six weather National Weather Service offices that serve Minnesota will issue a simulated tornado watch.
- 1:45 p.m. The National Weather Service will issue a simulated tornado warning for Minnesota counties. Most cities and counties will activate outdoor warning siren systems.
- 2:00 p.m. The National Weather Service will issue an "End of Test" message.
- 6:45 pm. The National Weather Service offices will issue another simulated tornado warning. Most cities and counties will again activate outdoor warning siren systems.
It is recommended that we use this time to create a weather-ready plan and discuss it with our families. Here's to a safe summer!