Sirens Blare Twice Thursday In Hennepin County For Severe Weather Week

HENNEPIN COUNTY, MN — Local officials warned residents to prepare for several tornado-siren tests Thursday, including one in the evening, in recognition of Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Tornado sirens blared at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Thursday throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, and officials in the region encouraged residents to use the alerts to practice their plans for a real storm.

The first drill was meant to help prepare businesses, schools and organizations in case of a tornado during work hours, while the second drill was intended to make families and second-shift workers think about their preparations and plans, officials said.

Tornado sirens also blared Wednesday afternoon. Tornado sirens are tested on the first Wednesday of every month in many Minnesota cities and towns.

Minnesota experienced more than 60 tornadoes last year, including almost two dozen Dec. 15, the first tornadoes ever recorded in the state in December.

About 29 tornadoes touch down in Minnesota during a normal year, officials said.

Almost three-quarters of all tornadoes recorded in Minnesota occurred from May-July, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The Severe Weather Awareness Week campaign is focusing its efforts Thursday on tornadoes. The campaign, which runs from April 4-8, focused on alerts and warnings on Monday, lighting on Tuesday and floods on Wednesday. Friday is due to focus on extreme heat.