Tornadoes, Floods and Storms: Prepare During Severe Weather Awareness Week

April 16Thunderstorms, hail, straight-line winds, and lightning cause extensive damage across Minnesota every year.April 17Severe weather warnings, watches and advisories are prepared by the National Weather Service in Chanhassen and distributed through the Emergency Alert System (via local media), weather radios and outdoor warning sirens (tornado warnings).April 18Floods and flash floods occur every year in Minnesota, most of them in June. Half of flash flood fatalities occur in vehicles. April 19Tornado Drill Day The National Weather Service will simulate a tornado watch starting at 9 a.m. Two tornado drills, with simulated tornado warnings and sounding of the outdoor warning sirens, will occur at 1:45 and 6:55 p.m. The first allows schools and businesses to practice sheltering plans while the second allows families and second-shift workers to practice their plans. April 20Heat-related fatalities outpace deaths in several other weather categories.