Statewide tornado drill for Severe Weather Awareness Week



Warning sirens

Thursday is our statewide tornado drill day as part of Minnesota Severe Weather Awareness Week. The drill is designed to help schools, businesses and families practice what to do in the event of a tornado warning and to ensure everyone knows where to go for shelter.

When tornado sirens will sound

Outdoor warning sirens will sound during the drill times of 1:45 and 6:45 p.m. This is a great opportunity to review your severe weather plan and make sure you’re prepared ahead of the storm season.

Counties and cities control their own warning sirens, the National Weather Service does not activate them. Policies vary by location. Some areas sound sirens only for tornado warnings, while others also use them for severe thunderstorm warnings or damaging wind threats. In some communities, local officials may activate sirens anytime severe weather is a concern, even without a warning from the National Weather Service. Sirens typically sound for two to three minutes.

For details on when sirens are used in your area, check with local public safety officials.

Warning sirens
Warning sirens
Minnesota Department of Public Safety

Where to go during a tornado

During a tornado drill, you should go to a safe place just like you would in a real emergency. The best place to go is a basement or a storm shelter. If you don’t have a basement, move to a small interior room on the lowest level of your building, away from windows.

Stay away from doors and windows, and get under something sturdy if possible. Whether you are at school or at work, follow the emergency plan and go to the designated shelter area.

Practicing where to go during a drill helps you stay safe and act quickly if a real tornado occurs.

Know where to go-tornado drill
Know where to go-tornado drill
National Weather Service

Knowing the difference between a tornado watch vs. warning

Understanding the difference between a tornado watch, warning and emergency is critical during severe weather season.

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. It does not mean a tornado is happening, but you should stay alert and be prepared in case weather conditions worsen.

A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted by trained observers or indicated by radar. When a warning is issued, you should take immediate shelter in a safe location.

A tornado emergency is the highest level of alert. It means a confirmed, violent tornado is occurring and poses a severe threat to life and property. This is a rare but extremely dangerous situation requiring immediate action to protect yourself.

Tornado watch vs. warning
Tornado watch vs. warning
National Weather Service



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A Republican lawmaker charged in an alcohol-related driving offense won’t have to appear in court again until after the Legislature adjourns for the year.

A June 10 arraignment hearing is set for Rep. Elliott Engen, a Lino Lakes Republican who faces three misdemeanor charges following an arrest early Friday. He was stopped for speeding and other infractions in White Bear Lake; officers detected alcohol and he later tested well above the legal limit for driving, according to a citation.

Engen has apologized for a lapse in judgment; he promised to learn from his actions and “do better.” Aside from being a second-term legislator, he is also a candidate for state auditor.

A second lawmaker, GOP Rep. Walter Hudson, was in Engen’s truck at the time of the stop and an open bottle of alcohol was found in a rear seat. Hudson, a second-term legislator from Albertville, was in possession of a permitted handgun, which could cause him legal problems if he is determined to have been intoxicated.

Police officers wrote in their report that Hudson disclosed he had the gun as the truck was being searched. The report said police took the firearm for safekeeping and said he could pick it up at a later time, which Hudson agreed to.

“I regret the poor decisions that were made during this incident, and commend the White Bear Police Department for their professional response,” Hudson said in a written statement. “I’m grateful that no harm was done to ourselves and others.”

Two lawmakers stand and look around
Rep. Walter Hudson, R-Albertville, (center) and Rep. Bidal Duran, R-Bemidji, (right) join other Republican lawmakers gather in the House chambers Jan. 27, 2025.
Tim Evans for MPR News file

A third, unidentified passenger was in the truck as well, according to police. Hudson and that person were transferred to the police department until they could arrange rides.

The Minnesota lawmakers had been at the Capitol late into the evening Thursday as the House debated procedural motions on gun, immigration and social media legislation. The motions failed on 67-67 votes.

There is no indication yet that either Hudson nor Engen had been drinking on Capitol grounds, which would be a violation of a House rule against consumption of alcohol or drugs in spaces under that chamber’s control.

According to a White Bear Lake Police report, Engen initially said he had not been drinking when asked by the police officer who pulled him over — “nothing at all,” he is quoted as saying. He performed a field sobriety test, which the report says showed signs of impairment.

Engen gave a preliminary breath sample there, the report says, which estimated a 0.142 blood alcohol level. After he was taken by squad car to the police department “Engen spontaneously stated, ‘Sir, I had a drink three hours ago,’” the report says.

He told the Minnesota Star Tribune in an interview Monday that he had also consumed alcohol in the afternoon on Thursday as well.

Engen is charged with two impaired driving offenses and speeding. White Bear Lake police also said he was driving a vehicle with expired registration and an inoperable headlight.

Engen has not returned calls from MPR News. A court docket lists a “notice of appearance” on Tuesday.

He is being represented in the criminal case by Chris Madel, an Excelsior attorney who waged a brief Republican campaign for governor.



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