OTTER TAIL COUNTY, Minn. — With the spring severe weather season approaching, Otter Tail County Emergency Management is reminding residents to prepare for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding and other weather hazards during Severe Weather Awareness Week, April 13–17, 2026.

This annual statewide campaign, sponsored by Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) in partnership with the National Weather Service, is designed to educate families, businesses and communities about the seasonal threats that can affect Minnesota and how to prepare.

Severe Weather Awareness Week provides an opportunity to review and practice emergency plans, build or update emergency supply kits, and learn how to respond if severe weather occurs. Each day of the week highlights a specific topic, including alerts and warnings, lightning and hail, flooding, tornadoes, and extreme heat.

A key component of the observance is the Statewide Tornado Drills on Thursday, April 16. Outdoor warning sirens throughout Minnesota will sound twice, once at 1:45 p.m. and again at 6:45 p.m. in simulated tornado warnings. The afternoon drill is designed for schools, businesses, and institutions, while the evening drill gives families and second-shift workers a chance to practice their sheltering plans. Residents are urged to use these drills to practice where they will take shelter at home, at work, or at school. There is no “all‑clear” siren following the drills or actual emergencies; residents should rely on official weather information and warnings.

According to the state HSEM and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota experiences numerous tornadoes and severe storms each year, and understanding how to respond quickly can save lives.

“Severe weather can strike quickly, and preparation is the single most important step residents can take to protect themselves and their families,” said Otter Tail County Emergency Manager Patrick Waletzko. “We encourage everyone to use Severe Weather Awareness Week to build and review emergency plans and supplies, and to practice what to do when warnings are issued.”

How to participate
Otter Tail County offers several resources to help residents prepare for severe weather:

• “Are You Ready” Preparedness Tips: Including hazard information, planning guides, preparedness and supply checklists, and safety information.
• Sign up for Smart911 Alerts: Receive location‑based weather and emergency alerts by phone, text or email.
• Create a Rave Facility Profile: Share information with emergency responders about your business or organization that you want them to know before an emergency occurs.

For these resources and more, visit ottertailcounty.gov and search for “are you ready.”