Updraft: April 24, 2008 Archive

Tests are administered to check on comprehension and ability to learn.

Today, the warning communication system of the National Weather Service, in partnership with the broadcast media and emergency management was tested. Check off that box as a completion of the test.

More importantly, were you paying attention? Did you know that the tornado warning alert system, encompassing the outdoor warning sirens, broadcast networks, and NOAA Weather Radio was activated at 1:45PM?

As part of the pass/final assessment; did you consider/ponder your reaction if this was a real tornado emergency?

Under a controlled strategy, this was a very forgiving drill. There are two purposes to test the communication system for tornado warnings. First, do you have a means to receive a warning? Not just at 1:45PM, but twenty-four hours a day. Second, are you prepared to move to safety and possibly assist in moving others to a relatively safe location?

Tornado fatalities are being reduced nationwide due to the skill of meteorologists to identify tornado producing storms on Doppler and issue warnings, as well as the attentiveness by the public to respond appropriately to warnings.

Know your source for weather information. Be prepared to execute a safety plan if you are caught in the path of dangerous weather.

Minnesota Department of Homeland Security

Another test will be conducted in many regions at 6:55PM.

CE

A few Minnesota counties did not participate in the evening tornado warning alert test. This website from Minnesota Homeland Security designated the counties which volunteered to run a second test of the communication systems at 6:55PM.

Counties which participated in the evening tornado drill

Minnesota Public Safety

Check out information on the MPR website to become a weather watcher and to reserve your place at the weather forum on May 1st.