Severe Weather Awareness

Severe Weather Awareness Week in April

Date	Informational Topic
Monday	Alerts and Warnings
Tuesday	Severe Weather, Lightning and Hail
Wednesday	Floods
Thursday	Tornadoes (Statewide tornado drills at 1:45 and 6:45 p.m.)
Friday	Extreme Heat

Outdoor Warning Sirens

Based on recommendations from the National Weather Service, outdoor warning sirens will activate during tornado warnings and thunderstorm warnings when wind speed is expected to meet or exceed 70 miles per hour.

See FAQs on the right to understand when and how warning sirens are sounded.

Dakota County Emergency Notifications

Sign up for text, email and other alerts about emergencies and important community news through the Dakota Communications Center's Emergency Alert Program.

Weather Radio and Weather Alerts

Residents are encouraged to purchase a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio and sign up for alerts. The National Weather Service (NWS) and many local media outlets offer electronic alerting services that provide email, RSS feed or text messages to cell phones, computers or other devices, either directly or via services such as social media. Messages are received by voluntary subscription and provide local weather information, including watches and warnings.

Electronic alerting services in Minnesota:

Preparing for Severe Weather

Make an emergency kit

Include food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days.

Make a plan

Decide as a family and decide where you will go and how you will communicate. Prepare for multiple, potential situations.

Get involved

Assist public safety personnel with special events, disaster response and emergencies throughout the city as a member of the Mobile Volunteer Network (MVN).

Additional preparation for severe weather and emergency situations.