Sirens To Blare Twice Thursday In Oakdale

Oakdale MN

07 April, 2022

1:58 PM

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OAKDALE, MN — Local officials are warning residents to prepare for several tornado-siren tests Thursday, including one in the evening, in recognition of Severe Weather Awareness Week. Tornado sirens are scheduled to blare at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Thursday throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, and officials in the region are encouraging residents to use the alerts to practice their plans for a real storm. The first drill is meant to help prepare businesses, schools and organizations in case of a tornado during work hours, while the second drill is intended to make families and second-shift workers think about their preparations and plans, officials said. A 'Champion' For Justice: Washington Co. Mourns Pete Orput's DeathSouth Washington County Schools officials said teachers will talk to students during Thursday afternoon's drill about how to stay safe and where to go in their school during a tornado. "The tornado drill at 6:45 p.m. is a great way for students and families to practice their emergency shelter plans while at home," officials said in a Facebook post. Minnesota experienced more than 60 tornadoes last year, including almost two dozen on Dec. 15, the first tornadoes ever recorded in the state in December. Former Washington Co. Administrator Jim Schug Died Tuesday: OfficialsAbout 29 tornadoes touch down in Minnesota during a normal year, officials said. Almost three-quarters of all tornadoes recorded in Minnesota occurred from May-July, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The Severe Weather Awareness Week campaign is focusing its efforts Thursday on tornadoes. The campaign, which runs from April 4-8, focused on alerts and warnings on Monday, lighting on Tuesday and floods on Wednesday. Friday is due to focus on extreme heat.