Emergency Management
Severe Weather Watches & Warnings
Definitions and Recommended Actions for the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area in Minnesota
Tornado or Severe Thunderstorm Watch
This means weather conditions are such that there is a very good chance for the development of either severe thunderstorms or thunderstorms producing tornados in the watch area. The watch usually covers a large area. This information is available via NOAA Weather Radio, Radio and Television Broadcasters.
Actions: Monitor weather information sources and watch the weather itself for any changes that could endanger you or those around you. Make preparations to initiate your emergency plans. Consider canceling out-of-door activities. If you are in a mobile home, travel trailer or recreational vehicle, consider moving to shelter as the storms move into your area, before warnings are issued, especially if these are fast moving storms.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
This means a severe thunderstorm has been detected that contains wind speeds of 58 Miles per Hour (50 knots) or more, hail 3/4 inch in diameter or larger and heavy rain.
Note: Not all severe weather warnings are preceded by a watch.
When wind speeds associated with a severe thunderstorm are 75 Miles per Hour or more the National Weather Service will recommend siren activation with the severe thunderstorm warning. This information will be available via NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration) Weather Radio alert, Radio and Television Broadcasters. (75 Mile per Hour Winds are considered Hurricane Strength.)
Dakota County Sounds their outdoor warning sirens for all severe thunderstorm warnings.
If you live in southern Washington County, especially those areas bordering Dakota County, you may hear sirens activated for severe thunderstorms.
Actions: Treat this like a tornado warning. Local Governments have been requested to sound sirens to alert people who are out of doors. Use the same shelter you would for a tornado.
Tornado Warning
This means a tornado has been seen or a thunderstorm is exhibiting characteristics that would indicate the high probability of a tornado forming in the immediate future.
Note: All Metro Counties sound their outdoor warning sirens for a Tornado Warning.
It is highly recommended that every family, school, government facility and business have a NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration) Weather Radio with alert capability, to reduce dependency on sirens. Sirens are designed to warn people who are out of doors and may not be audible indoors.
Remember, the weather warning process begins prior to the actual warning. It begins when the weather forecasts indicate the possibility of severe weather. You are responsible to ensure that you know what to do and are prepared to protect yourself along with your family, employees, clients and coworkers in the event of a severe weather emergency. Stay informed. Be prepared.
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