Severe Weather

Flooding

The state of Minnesota floods and flash floods are one of the most common natural hazards. Rainfalls can be heavy in the warmer months and rapid snowmelt in the spring can produce flash floods in a matter of hours. The following information includes a few steps and tips everyone can take to prepare for flooding.

Before a flood

• Get a weather radio, an emergency kit, and make an emergency plan. 
• Relocate or properly dispose of hazardous household materials (i.e. cleaning chemicals, paint, gasoline) so that they stay dry.
• Elevate critical utilities.
• Install a back valve and sump pump. As a last resort, use large corks or stoppers to plug showers, tubs, or basins.
• If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.
• Declutter drains and gutters regularly.
• Take pictures of you home in its normal state for documentation.

During a flood

• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood water. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to take a person off their feet. Turn Around. Don't Drown. 
• Abandon your vehicle immediately if it stalls and seek higher ground.
• Stay inside your car if it is trapped in rapidly moving water Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.
• Get to the highest level if trapped in a building. Only get on the rood if necessary and signal for help. Do not climb into a closed space like an attic to avoid getting trapped.
• About 75% of flash flood deaths occur at night. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

After a flood

• Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Document any damage to your property with photographs.
• Wear heavy work gloves, protective clothing, boots, and masks during clean up.
• People with asthma, other lung conditions, or immune suppression shouldn't enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup.
• You may need to disinfect your private water well if it was flooded. 
• Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Turn off the electricity if it is safe to do so.

Wildfires

Did you know that in 2024 Minnesota saw more than 70 wildfires across the state? Wildfires spread quickly and can devastate not only wildlife and natural areas, but also communities. 

Before a fire

• Get a weather radio, an emergency kit, and make an emergency plan.
• Pay attention to air quality alerts 
• When able, use fire-resistant materials to build, renovate, or make repairs to your home
• Find an outdoor water source with a hose that can reach any area of your property.
• Create a fire-resistant zone at least 30 feet from your home that is free of leaves, debris or flammable materials.
• Know your evacuation zone and routes in case local authorities initiating evacuations. St. Louis County's evacuation map indicate when and where to evacuate. 
• Consider storing N95 masks with your emergency go bag to protect yourself from smoke inhalation when air quality is poor.
• Consider making a 1 minute, 15 minutes, and 1 hour home evacuation checklist of the items and steps that you will take with that amount of time to prepare for an evacuation. 

During a fire

• Pay attention to emergency alerts for information and instructions.
• Evacuate immediately if authorities tell you to do so!
• Use an N95 mask to protect yourself from smoke inhalation or limit your exposure to smoke.

After a fire

• Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Document any damage to your property with photographs.
• Wear protective clothing including a long sleeved shirt and pants, work gloves, sturdy thing-soled shoes, and appropriate respiratory protection during clean-up efforts.
• Contact your family and friend via text or social media. Phone systems are often busy following a disaster.

Severe Weather Awareness Week

Each year, the department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) collaborates with the National Weather Service (NWS) to 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 a great time to make and practice your emergency plan and build or refresh your emergency preparedness kit. Find out more on HSEM's website.  

Dates: April 7th - 11th, 2025

Monday: Alerts and Warnings

Tuesday: Severe weather, lightning and hail

Wednesday: Floods

Thursday: Tornados (with statewide tornado drills at 1:45pm and 6:45pm)

Friday: Extreme heat