Sirens Blare Twice Thursday In Wright Co. For Severe Weather Week

WRIGHT COUNTY, MN — Wright County 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. throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, and officials in the region encouraged residents to use the alerts to practice their plans for a real storm.

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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.

“Tornadoes can strike at any time so having a family and work plan in place in advance is critical to staying safe and increasing the chances that you, your family and your co-workers can ride out a storm and prevent the potential for injury or death,” Wright County officials said in a release.

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

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

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.

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