Minnesota Severe Weather Awareness Week April 7-11, 2025

It is Minnesota Severe Weather Awareness Week.  A time to educate ourselves about the various severe weather we experience in the Gopher state.

Each day this week the Minnesota Homeland Security Emergency Management Department has a  different topic to share dealing with severe weather.

Today we examine alerts and warnings.

When I started broadcasting during severe weather emergencies in my first radio job at KHAD Radio in Desoto, Missouri the way we received warnings and watches was through the UPI (United Press International) news teletype machine.

One late spring afternoon the skies blackened while I was alone on the air.  I kept going to the teletype machine expecting to receive a weather watch or warning but nothing came across.

It became as dark as night so I went on the radio and told listeners we had not received any statements concerning the weather but they might want to seek shelter.

A tornado did strike the area.  A warning was received over the teletype about 20 minutes after the storm blew through the area.

I was chewed out for going on the air without a weather statement even though I made it clear I was making this call on my own.

I share this story because it shows how much technology has changed since 1980 when that experience happened.

• Personal Weather Alerts can be received in Rice County by signing up for Everbridge.  An alert system whereby you can choose how to receive notification and what you want to receive notification for.  Details are available on the Rice County Emergency Management and Faribault Fire Department websites.  You can receive notices directly on your cell phone.
• Outdoor Warning Sirens typically sound for about three minutes.  There is no all-clear siren.  These are exactly what the name says, to be used by people outdoors.  When the siren goes off you should tune to your local radio station )KDHL, POWER 96, KRFO, KAT KOUNTRY 105.  Rice County Emergency Management can go on the air and deliver information to assist you in staying safe.

Types of warnings explained.

• Advisory is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely.  Advisories are for less serious conditions than warninigs that cause significant  inconvenience and if caution is not excercised, could lead to situations that may threathen life or property.
• A  watch means weather conditions are favorable for dangerous weather to occur.  In other words, a "waatch" means watch out for what the weather could do, and be ready to act accordingly. A watch means the odds are good for dangerous weather, but it is not yet happening.  When a severe thunderstorm, flash flood or tornado watch is in effect, it means you should look for signs of dangerous weather and maintain access to the latest information. Also be prepared to go somewhere safe with protein bars and water available in case you have to be there awhile.
• Warning for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes or flash floods means the weather event is imminent or occurring somewhere in the defined warning area and that people need to take shelter as soon as possible.

Tuesday we will examine severe weather, lightning and hail.