Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 13-17
Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 3:22PM
With spring comes the likelihood of severe weather, including tornadoes, hail, destructive winds and flooding. Knowing what to do and making a few simple preparations can help protect you and your family when severe weather strikes.
Severe Weather Awareness Week
Severe Weather Awareness Week is a great opportunity to refresh your knowledge about seasonal hazards from severe weather. Throughout the week, each day has a focus theme.
- Monday, April 13: Alerts and warnings
- Tuesday, April 14: Severe weather, lightning and hail
- Wednesday, April 15: Floods
- Thursday, April 16: Tornadoes
- Friday, April 17: Extreme heat
Learn more about Severe Weather Awareness Week.
State-wide tornado drills
Outdoor warning sirens will sound on Thursday, April 16 in two simulated tornado warnings. The first drill is intended for institutions and businesses. The evening drill is intended for second shift workers and families.
State-wide tornado drills
Thursday, April 16
1:45pm and 6:45pm
Outdoor sirens
Did you know that these sirens are not just for tornadoes? Hennepin County uses outdoor warning sirens to alert people outdoors about dangerous weather. Sirens are meant to be heard by those outdoors, so it’s important to have other ways to get severe weather information.
The sirens are activated in several instances:
- A tornado warning has been issued, meaning a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar and there is an imminent danger to life and property
- Credible reports of sustained winds of more than 70 mph
- Damaging, dangerous hail or other life-threatening weather hazard
When you hear sirens, seek shelter and information:
- Seek shelter in a building away from windows or lie in a low area away from cars. Cover your head with your arms. Don't go under an overpass.
- Listen to local weather information on the radio, television or online.
- Continue to shelter until the threat has passed.
Hennepin County does not use the outdoor warning sirens to give an “all-clear” or notify people that the danger has passed.
