• Nature’s most intensely violent storm. 
• Minnesota averages 40 tornadoes per year – but in 2021 the state had 64 tornadoes. This includes 22 tornadoes on Dec. 15 alone! 
• Tornadoes may strike quickly with little warning. 
• Tornadoes can occur any time of day or night but often occur in the late afternoon or evening

Know the Tornado Warning Terms

Tornado watch

Weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes; remain alert for approaching storms. 

Tornado warning

A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar; take shelter immediately.

Before a Tornado: During a Tornado Watch

• Be alert to changing weather conditions. 
• Know your surroundings and location. 
• Have a plan for severe weather. 
• Have a programmed NOAA Weather Radio operating. 
• Listen to radio or TV or check the internet frequently for up-to-date information.

During a Tornado Warning

• Find shelter immediately. 
• Seek a small interior room. 
• Get away from glass windows. 
• Leave mobile homes or trailers. 
• If outside, lie flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head. 
• Do not get under an overpass or bridge. 
• If in a vehicle – stop and find shelter in a strong building nearby immediately. 
• Watch for flying debris.

Tornado Drill Day

Afternoon Tornado Drill: Thursday, April 10 - 1:45 p.m.

• NWS will send simulated warnings to NOAA Weather Radios. 
• All counties across Minnesota sound outdoor warning sirens. 
• Schools, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to conduct a tornado drill at this time to practice their own tornado sheltering plans.

Evening Tornado Drill: Thursday, April 10 - 6:45 p.m.

• Severe weather and tornadoes occur most often between 3 - 8 p.m. 
• Second drill allows second-shift workers and families at home to practice their sheltering plans. 
• County participation is voluntary.

Tornado Drill Day – How to Participate

Prepare Your Home

• Create or update emergency plans with your entire family. 
• Practice your family plan during the evening tornado drill at 6:45 p.m. 
• Check emergency plans at places your family spends time, such as schools, workplaces, churches, markets, or sports facilities. 
• Share the plans for these areas with your entire family.

Prepare Your Neighborhood

• Involve your neighbors. Find out who has special needs and might need help in an emergency. 
• Plan with your neighborhood. Ask your Home Owners Association, your Tenants Group or Neighborhood Civic Association to make emergency preparedness an agenda item during your next meeting. 
• Help neighbors get informed. Host a neighborhood preparedness meeting. Invite your local emergency manager or responders to help lead the discussions.

Prepare Your Workplace

• Designate critical function or emergency personnel. 
• Organize an emergency preparedness procedures review. 
• Host a disaster preparedness brown bag lunch for employees. 
• Get a NOAA Weather Radio. 
• Distribute a facility emergency plan. 
• Conduct business continuity training. 
• Schedule an emergency exercise or drill.