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Minn. Officials Warn Of Severe Weather In April

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota will hold a statewide tornado drill on Thursday to remind the public about Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Schools and businesses are encouraged to participate in the drill, which will happen at 1:45 p.m. and again at 6:55 p.m.

While early spring is usually flood season, severe storms -- like the 13 tornadoes that struck St. Peter and Comfrey in late March 1998 -- can happen this time of year too. Last year, Minnesota experienced a record 113 tornadoes between March and September, with 48 on a single day in June.

Officials say people must be prepared and know where to find warnings.

Severe Weather Awareness Week starts Monday, with the goal of raising awareness about the severe weather season.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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