Snow Will Impact Thursday’s Tornado Drills

This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week.

 The Hennepin County Emergency Management Agency uses this week to remind people of ways to stay safe when severe weather hits.

“A lot of people in Minnesota pay attention to winter weather,” says Emily Harrington with the Hennepin County Emergency Management.  “But severe weather is just as important if not more important. There’s so much damage that can occur during storms throughout the summer. So it’s really important to take steps to be prepared before our severe weather season.”

While there isn’t any severe spring weather expected, the Twin Cities will be seeing some snow in the coming days. The drills that were scheduled for Thursday are cancelled due to the impending weather. Harrington says expect the brunt of the winter weather to hit on Thursday.

If you are interested in learning more about severe weather preparedness week you can visit the Hennepin County Emergency Management’s Facebook Page and website.

Siren safety tips from Hennepin County

Obey the sirens. Sirens mean people should seek shelter and tune to local weather information on radio, television or an NOAA Weather Radio. Unless it’s a first Wednesday of the month drill, the warning is real.

Be weather aware. Know the weather forecast when you start the day, and check the weather throughout the day.

Be alert and know where to shelter. If conditions change quickly or you see violent/threatening conditions, seek shelter and tune to local media. Take time today to learn and practice the emergency procedures at your workplace or school.

Get a personal warning. Sirens alert people who are outdoors. Inside your home, you may not hear them. Use an NOAA weather radio or a severe weather smartphone app and stay tuned to local media.

To learn more about Severe Weather Awareness Week, click here.

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