Press Release: Severe Weather Awareness Week

April 9, 2026

Minnesota’s severe weather season is nearing and emergency management agencies across the state are encouraging residents to be prepared. The week of April 13-17, 2026 is Minnesota Severe Weather Awareness Week, a time when preparedness professionals remind the public of the hazards summer weather can bring. Each day of the week has a specific hazard topic or theme to bring awareness and promote keeping your family safe.

Monday: Severe weather alerts and warnings. Receiving alerts and warnings is the first half, the other half is knowing what to do. During severe weather season, several types of alerts can be issued. Severe weather watches mean conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather, while warnings mean it is imminent, likely to happen or is occurring. There are several ways to receive alerts including NOAA Weather Radio, broadcast media, the internet and smart device apps. Beltrami County residents are encouraged to enroll in the new Everbridge emergency notification system. Replacing CodeRED in 2026, residents need to enroll in Everbridge by visiting the Beltrami County website.

Tuesday: Severe storms, lightning and hail. Beltrami County has been the epicenter of devastating thunderstorms in recent years. Winds of 120-130mph raked across the region in 2025 while hail the size of baseballs have caused significant damage. Thunderstorms are considered severe when hail is larger than one inch or when thunderstorms produce winds greater than 58mph. Lightning is an additional hazard when outdoors. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

Wednesday: Flooding. While sandy soils combined with the concentration of lakes and rivers can absorb plenty of rain, when too much rain occurs in a short period of time it can lead to flooding. Flooding can be dangerous, as little as six inches of flowing water can knock a person down and a foot of water can float vehicles. Never drive through flooded roadways and remember to “turn around, don’t drown”.

Thursday: Tornado drill day. Beltrami County will participate in two state-wide tornado drills on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 1:45pm and 6:45pm. Outdoor warning sirens will be activated as part of the drills. Beltrami County activates outdoor warning sirens for tornado warnings, destructive severe thunderstorms with winds greater than 70mph or when emergency management believes weather could produce life-threatening conditions. Sirens sound for approximately three minutes and no “all clear” activation is made. If the sirens continue to sound, there is a continued threat.

Friday: Extreme heat. Winters can be long and cold in Minnesota, but summer temperatures can be just as extreme. When humid conditions combine with warm temperatures, it can create a dangerous heat index or “feels like” temperature. Avoid outdoor activity or perform those activities during the cooler periods of the day. Remember that cars are like greenhouses. Even on warm days they can produce lethal temperatures so never leave pets or children in vehicles alone.

Additional information will be posted throughout the week on the Beltrami County Emergency Management Facebook page.

-Christopher Muller, Director of Emergency Management