The State of Minnesota has designated April 12-16, 2021, Minnesota Severe Weather Awareness Week. As part of this statewide program, severe weather emergency sirens will be activated on Thursday, April 15, at 1:45 and 6:45 p.m. in Winona. The siren on the Winona Campus is located near the track and field complex.
THIS ONLY A TEST AND YOU WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO TAKE ANY ACTION.
The Office of Campus Safety would like to take this opportunity to share some important information regarding severe weather. We would also encourage you to participate in the tornado drills, if possible, to make sure you are prepared in the event of an actual tornado event.
In the event of an actual severe weather emergency, all students, faculty, staff, and guests would seek shelter in the lowest level of the residence hall, academic building, or other building they are in at the time of the emergency.
Below is additional information which may help you to understand, prepare for and respond to a severe weather emergency.
- Find strong shelter immediately.
- Seek a small interior room.
- Move away from glass windows.
- Leave mobile homes or trailers.
- If outside, lie flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head. Do not get under an overpass or bridge.
- If in a vehicle, stop and find shelter in a strong building nearby immediately.
- Watch out for flying debris.
Severe weather in Minnesota facts:
- Minnesota averages 40 tornadoes per year, but in 2010 the state had the most tornadoes of any state in the U.S. with 113.
- Tornadoes may strike quickly with little or no warning.
- Tornadoes can occur any time of day or night, but often occur in the late afternoon or evening.
- Tornado watch — weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes; remain alert for approaching storms.
- Tornado warning — a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar; take shelter immediately.
If you have questions regarding severe weather emergencies, please contact the Campus Safety Office.