Severe weather, lightning and hail: Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 17-21
Thunderstorms affect relatively small areas compared with most other storms. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts 30 minutes — but whatever their size, all thunderstorms are dangerous.
Severe thunderstorms produce large hail or winds of at least 58 mph. Some wind gusts can exceed 100 mph and produce tornado-like damage. That’s why many communities will sound their outdoor sirens for damaging straight-line winds.
Are you ready for severe weather? Each year, Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management, in collaboration with the National Weather Service, sponsor Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota. The week is designed to refresh, remind and educate everyone about the seasonal threats from severe weather and how to avoid them. It’s also a great time to make and practice your emergency plan and build or refresh your emergency preparedness kit.
Learn more about today’s topic of severe weather, lightning and hail at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website.