MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Coon Rapids Local Government Coon Rapids to Participate in Statewide Tornado Drills April 16 During Severe Weather Awareness Week

COON RAPIDS, MN (April 15, 2026)

Outdoor warning sirens in Coon Rapids will sound twice on Thursday, April 16, as part of Minnesota’s annual Severe Weather Awareness Week, a statewide preparedness initiative focused on tornado readiness and severe weather safety.

The City of Coon Rapids confirmed sirens will activate at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., aligning with coordinated statewide tornado drills led by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and the National Weather Service.

Severe Weather Awareness Week, observed April 13 through April 17, is designed to educate the public on seasonal weather risks across Minnesota, including tornadoes, flooding, lightning, and extreme heat.

Drill Purpose and Coordination

State and federal emergency management agencies conduct the annual drills to evaluate alert systems and reinforce public preparedness ahead of peak severe weather season.

According to state guidance, the drills serve two primary functions:

• System Testing: Officials assess the functionality of outdoor warning sirens, NOAA weather radios, and the Emergency Alert System.
• Public Preparedness: Residents, schools, and workplaces are encouraged to practice emergency shelter procedures.

The 1:45 p.m. drill is intended for participation by schools, businesses, and daytime operations, while the 6:45 p.m. drill is designed to reach households and individuals who may not be available earlier in the day.

Warning Systems and Expected Conditions

During each drill:

• Outdoor warning sirens will sound for approximately three minutes
• A simulated Tornado Warning will be issued by the National Weather Service
• Alerts will be transmitted عبر NOAA weather radios, television, and radio broadcasts

Local officials emphasize that no all-clear siren will follow, consistent with real emergency protocols. Residents are advised to monitor official channels for updates during actual severe weather events.

In Coon Rapids and across Anoka County, outdoor warning sirens are intended primarily to alert individuals who are outdoors to seek shelter immediately. Officials caution that sirens are not designed to be heard indoors or to wake sleeping residents.

Weekly Preparedness Focus

The National Weather Service assigns a specific safety focus to each day of Severe Weather Awareness Week:

• Monday: Alerts and warnings
• Tuesday: Severe weather, lightning, and hail
• Wednesday: Flooding and flash floods
• Thursday: Tornadoes and statewide drills
• Friday: Extreme heat

Recommended Safety Actions

Emergency management guidance from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety advises the following actions during a tornado warning:

• Seek the lowest level: A basement or storm shelter is recommended
• Move to an interior space: If no basement is available, use a windowless room on the lowest floor
• Protect against debris: Cover your head with available materials such as blankets, pillows, or helmets
• Maintain multiple alert sources: Use weather radios, mobile alerts, and local media in addition to outdoor sirens

Officials encourage residents to use the April 16 drills to review emergency plans, identify safe shelter locations, and ensure access to reliable warning systems.

For additional information, residents can visit the National Weather Service Twin Cities Severe Weather Awareness Week page: https://www.weather.gov/mpx/swaw

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