Severe Weather Awareness Week

Monday:

Theme: Thunderstorms, lightning, hail, straight-line winds.

Fact: The minimum size hail for a storm to be listed as severe has increased from ¾ inch to 1 inch in diameter.

More info: www.severeweather.state.mn.us/Lightning.asp

Tuesday:

Theme: Severe Weather Warnings.

Fact: There is no such thing as an "all clear" siren.

More info: www.severe weather.state.mn.us/WeatherWarnings.asp

Wednesday:

Theme: Floods, Flash Floods.

Fact: A flash flood killed seven people in southeastern Minnesota in August 2007.

More info: www.severeweather.state.mn.us/SWAW_Floods.asp

Thursday:

Theme: Tornado Drill Day.

Fact: Sirens will sound for two tornado drills. The first tornado drill, intended for schools, businesses and other institutions, is scheduled for 1:45 p.m. The second, in 73 counties, is scheduled for 6:55 p.m. to allow families to test their emergency plans.

More info: www.severe weather.state.mn.us/SWAW_Tornado.asp

Friday:

Theme: Heat.

Fact: Heat index values were designed for shade. Full sun will intensify them.

More info: www.severeweather.state.mn.us/SWAW_heat.asp

National Climatic Data Center