Tornado Sirens Undergo Testing Today
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- If you hear tornado sirens going off today, don't be alarmed. Just be aware, as they're a reminder to everyone that the season for twisters is arriving.
Already this spring, we've had reports of tornadoes in Minnesota. To make sure everyone knows what to do when a tornado hits, there will be tornado drills across the state Thursday.
The drills and sirens are part of Severe Weather Awareness Week.
The tests and drills serve as a reminder for us to have a plan in place no matter where we are -- at home, at work, at school.
When it comes to storm warnings, meteorologists would prefer for everyone to have 20 minutes warning, but that's not always possible. When a storm hits, sometimes we have minutes or even just seconds to react.
Tornado sirens will go off at 1:45 p.m. and then again just before at 6:55 p.m. The timing of this is because severe weather often happens between 3 and 8 p.m.
Hennepin County will be testing out 248 sirens on Thursday.
Sirens are meant to let people outside know to take cover, but for those of you inside, you should rely on a NOAA weather radio or TV and radio reports. You can also subscribe to email alerts from the Department of Public Safety.
Also, be sure to keep WCCO's Severe Weather page bookmarked.
