Definitions and Information:
Tornado Watch means weather conditions are favorable for tornado development and are possible in the area. Remain alert for approaching storms and changing weather conditions.
Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted in the area by spotters or indicated by weather radar.
Seek shelter immediately in a designated shelter area. Severe Weather sirens will sound when Northfield is in the path of the tornado and an Ole Alert will be sent.
What to do when a TORNADO WARNING is issued:
- When the sirens sound or a tornado has been sighted, SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY.
- Go to the designated severe weather shelter in your building (lowest level away from windows).
- Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.
- If there is no basement, go to an interior room on the lowest level (closets, restrooms).
- In Mohn & Larson, go to the lowest level stairwells.
- Get out of vehicles, trailers and mobile homes immediately and seek shelter in a building.
- If caught outside, lie flat in a nearby ditch and cover your head with your hands and arms.
- NEVER try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle as they are erratic and move swiftly.
- Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris causes most of the injuries and fatalities.
![windmill](https://wp.stolaf.edu/publicsafety/files/2021/08/windmill-820x600.jpg)
Thunderstorms are heavy rain storms that include thunder, lightning and the possibility of damaging hail. Remain indoors away from windows to avoid lightning strikes and hail injuries.
![windmill1](https://wp.stolaf.edu/publicsafety/files/2021/08/windmill1.jpg)
Severe Weather Siren Tests are conducted by the City of Northfield the first Wednesday of every month at 1:00 pm. Sirens are located throughout Northfield and the St. Olaf Siren is located on top of the Center for Art & Dance building. Sirens are meant to warn people outside of buildings and are not designed to be heard inside every building.
Local Television Weather Resources Include:
Channel 4 WCCO
Channel 5 KSTP
Channel 9 KMSP
Channel 11 KARE
Local Radio Stations Weather Resources Include:
KYMN 1080AM
KDHL 920AM
KRDS 95.5FM
WCCO 830AM