Severe Summer Weather Awareness Week

It's hard to believe amid the piles of snow that severe summer weather isn't far away. In fact, thunderstorms were forecast for this past weekend in parts of southeastern North Dakota as of press time.

April 25-29 is Severe Summer Weather Awareness Week.

The National Weather Service, the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, and other state, county and local agencies have come together to host Severe Summer Weather Awareness Week activities.

On Wednesday, April 27, at 11 a.m., simulated tornado watches and warnings will be issued to test the statewide warning and communications systems.  

The National Weather Service will issue a simulated tornado warning for all counties in North Dakota. Unless other significant weather threatens, most locations will receive a "test" Tornado Warning (via weekly test message, RWT code) as part of the Tornado Drill initiation. Upon notification, the Lake Region Law Enforcement Center will activate local sirens in Eddy County.

Siren Activation Information

There are two instances when a severe weather siren is activated:

1) When the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for Eddy County. At this time, the siren will be activated by Lake Region Law Enforcement Center dispatchers.

2) When an official "spotter" witnesses a funnel cloud or tornado in the area before a warning has been issued. In this instance, local authorities will activate the siren and notify the National Weather Service.  

Please remember to seek shelter when severe weather hits and to keep an eye on the weather during the upcoming summer months.

Plan ahead for severe weather 

Don't wait until severe weather is happening to have a plan! Take the time to prepare NOW! Know the difference between a Watch and a Warning, and know what to do when/if one is issued for your location. Always have more than one way to receive potentially life-saving weather information!

Make sure you have fresh batteries in your NOAA Weather Radio, too! Have a plan in place, and know where to take shelter at home, work, church, or any other venue you frequent! Injuries and deaths due to severe weather can be prevented through proper safety and preparedness measures!