Preparedness and Safety

Every year in the United States, hundreds of people are killed and thousands injured because of the weather. Dangerous weather can take many forms, ranging from violent tornadoes to crippling winter storms. With the notable exception of hurricanes, Iowa can experience any of these dangerous phenomena.

While there is nothing we can do to stop dangerous weather from affecting us, there are things we can do to stay safe when the weather turns nasty. Weather safety and survival - no matter what the hazard - depends on the following key items:

1. KNOW THE HAZARDS - Be aware of the hazards that you might face during a weather event.

2. KNOW WHEN TO EXPECT DANGEROUS WEATHER - Monitor forecasts and information from your local
National Weather Service Forecast Office.

3. PAY ATTENTION - Be aware of all watches, warnings, and advisories affecting you.

4. HAVE A PLAN TO STAY SAFE - Think about it before it happens and be ready to act to survive.

Click on a hazard below to see how YOU can be prepared and ready to react to dangerous weather


Tornadoes	Thunderstorms	Lightning	Floods	Heat


Winter Weather	Droughts	Wind	Fog

The following dates in 2024 have been designated for weather awareness in the United States or the states of Minnesota and North Dakota:

Minnesota

MN Severe Weather Awareness Week: April 8-12, 2024
MN Statewide Tornado Drill: Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 1:45 PM and 6:45 PM
MN Winter Hazard Awareness Week: November 18-22, 2024

North Dakota

ND Severe Weather Awareness Week: April 22-26, 2024
ND Statewide Tornado Preparedness Day: Wednesday, April 24, 2023
ND Winter Weather Awareness Week: October 28th - November 1st, 2024

National Awareness Week Event Calendar

Want to become a severe weather spotter? Visit the NWS Grand Forks Spotter Page to view current severe weather forecasts, read online training materials, and find when the NWS will be conducting a spotter training class near you!

Preparedness and Safety

Additional Information: