Sirens To Blare Twice Thursday In Oakdale

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

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

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

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South Washington County Schools officials said teachers will talk to students during Thursday afternoon's drill about how to stay safe and where to go in their school during a tornado.

"The tornado drill at 6:45 p.m. is a great way for students and families to practice their emergency shelter plans while at home," officials said in a Facebook post.

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

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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.