Twin Cities Tornado Simulation Starts in Shakopee

It's been 47 years since five tornados ripped through Minneapolis, and historically, storms of that magnitude hit this area every 40-50 years, according to a report by KARE 11 News and Minnesota Public Radio.

The two media outlets have joined together to explore whether the Twin Cities is ready for a storm of that magnitude. MPR News chief meteorologist Paul Huttner designed a scenario in which a tornado touches down in Shakopee first as a relatively weak EF-1. But as it moves northeast, it gains strength, striking Eden Prairie and Edina.

"It fits with the climatology of tornados in Minnesota," Huttner said in the report. "It's the most likely scenario for a tornado touchdown in the Twin Cities, moving from the southwest to the northeast."

The report starts with a tornado hitting Shakopee in the area of with 5,000 people on its 90 acres near the Minnesota River. The report then discusses with the park's security director what their plans are should a tornado strike.

During Severe Storm Awareness Week in April, to answer questions about how to be best prepared in an emergency.