Apr. 7—POLK COUNTY, Minn. — Polk County Emergency Management advises residents of two upcoming statewide tornado drills that will be conducted Thursday, April 10, as part of Minnesota Severe Weather Awareness Week.
Minnesota Severe Weather Awareness Week is a public education campaign promoted by the National Weather Service, Minnesota Department of Public Safety and local emergency management agencies.
The week begins Monday, April 7, and ends Friday, April 11. A different weather hazard is covered each day, according to a press release issued by Polk County Emergency Management.
Monday’s topic is weather alerts and warnings. Residents are advised that a “watch” means conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather or tornadoes, while a “warning” means severe weather or tornadoes are occurring, likely to occur or are imminent, the release said.
A thunderstorm is considered severe weather if it brings one-inch hail or winds higher than 58 mph.
Advisories and special weather statements may be issued by the National Weather Service if a storm will impact an area but doesn’t quite meet the “warning” criteria, the release said.
Tuesday’s topic is severe weather, to include hail and lightning. Hail develops during thunderstorms when there is a strong updraft. Ranging from pea size to larger than softballs, hail can cause significant damage and subsequent repair costs.
Lightning has proven to be more fatal than tornadoes, and can strike 10 miles from a storm, or even while it’s not raining, the release said. Anyone who encounters lightning is advised to go indoors.
Wednesday’s topic is flooding. In Minnesota, floods are more likely to result in deaths than any other weather event, the release said. Fatalities most frequently occur at night, and often inside vehicles.
It does not take much water to knock someone off their feet; as few as six inches of rapidly flowing water can do the job, the release said. It is not advised to drive through flooded roadways, because most vehicles will float in one foot of water.
Statewide tornado drills will take place Thursday. Outdoor warning sirens and NOAA Weather Radios throughout Minnesota will be sounded both at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. The drills are intended to allow workplaces and schools the opportunity to test their plans for severe weather conditions, but those at home are encouraged to participate as well.
Polk County uses outdoor warning sirens for tornadoes and intense thunderstorms with expected winds in excess of 70 mph, according to the release.
Friday’s topic is heat-related emergencies. High temperatures and humidity can create dangerous conditions. To avoid heat-related ailments, it is advised to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids; avoid strenuous activities during the hottest times of day; check in on those who are vulnerable such as the elderly; wear lightweight, loose clothing and never leave children or pets in vehicles.
“Even on warm days, vehicles act like a greenhouse and temperatures can rise to lethal levels in minutes,” the release said.
More information on these topics, as well as checklists and other resources, is available on the
Homeland Security and Emergency Management
and
National Weather Service
websites.