Thursday is the Minnesota Statewide Tornado Drill. Tornadoes are nature’s most intensely violent storm, and Minnesota averages 40 tornadoes per year, although, in 2010, Minnesota led the nation with 113 tornadoes.
Crookston Fire Fighter Bob Magsam explains the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. “Let’s start with a couple of terms that are affiliated with tornadoes and deciphering the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning,” said Magsam. “According to the National Weather Service, in a tornado, watch conditions are favorable for tornadoes. We should remain alert and pay attention to our surroundings and weather conditions as they evolve. A tornado warning means a tornado has been cited or indicated by weather radar. We should take immediate shelter and heed those warnings as it’s pretty inevitable that a tornado is in our very near area.”
Magsam says to find shelter immediately during a tornado warning and don’t try to outrun a storm in a vehicle. “If a tornado warning has been issued for our immediate area, find shelter immediately,” said Magsam. “If you have a home with a basement, go into the basement and stay away from any windows. If you don’t have a basement, go to the lowest level of the home and go to an interior portion – bathroom, hallway, etc. – and stay away from windows or doors. If you have a mobile home, leave that home immediately and proceed to the designated shelter, which is the City Hall basement in the City of Crookston. If you’re in a vehicle, find shelter in a strong building nearby. If there are no buildings or anything of that nature for you to take shelter, lie flat in a low-lying area. Remember to cover your head and protect from any flying debris that might be present during the tornado.”
The statewide tornado drill will have a one-hour simulated storm from the simulated watch to the all-clear, explains Magsam. “The statewide tornado drill is two separate drills,” said Magam. “The one in the morning is typically done for businesses (and schools) or anyone in the workplace. The one later in the evening is conducted for people in residentials and at home. You can practice your tornado drill and be prepared in the event of a tornado that would potentially affect us this summer.”
SCHEDULE FOR TORNADO DRILLS:
1:00 p.m.: All National Weather Service offices that serve Minnesota will issue a simulated tornado watch. NOAA Weather Radios will activate with the real TOR code.
1:45 p.m.: The National Weather Service will issue a simulated tornado warning for Minnesota counties. Note that most cities and counties will activate outdoor warning siren systems. NOAA Weather Radios will activate with the real TOR code.
2:00 p.m.: The National Weather Service will issue an “End of Test” message using the Severe Weather Statement product. There will be no alarm on NOAA Weather Radios.
6:00 p.m.: All National Weather Service offices that serve Minnesota will issue a simulated tornado watch. NOAA Weather Radios will activate with the real TOR code.
6:45 p.m.: National Weather Service offices will issue another simulated tornado warning. NOAA Weather Radios will activate with the real TOR code.
7:00 p.m.: The National Weather Service will issue an “End of Test” message using the Severe Weather Statement product. There will be no alarm on NOAA Weather Radios.
