Minnesota tornado tips: Everything you need to know

Minnesota tornado stats are pretty straightforward: Almost 75% of all tornadoes occur during the months of May (13%), June (32%), and July (27%). In fact, meteorologists have even tracked the most likely time for a twister to be between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. On average, there are 46 tornadoes in Minnesota each year.

Knowing the stats is just the beginning. Whether you live in a condominium, townhome, or single-family home, you can look to your community association manager for Minnesota tornado tips specific to your community as well. In the meantime, there are other steps you can take to be better prepared.
 

Tornado tips for Minnesota residents

1. Plan ahead.

   The best time to prepare for a tornado is before one appears on the radar. Start by identifying the safest places to take shelter — ideally a basement, storm cellar, or a room on the lowest floor without windows. If your home doesn’t have a basement, look for a small hallway, bathroom, or closet on the ground floor.
   If you don’t have access to a safe space, talk with a neighbor or nearby friend who does. Making a plan with someone you trust ahead of time can give you a reliable place to go when every second counts.
   
   It’s also smart to put together an emergency kit and keep it in your shelter space. That can include flashlights, extra batteries, bottled water, nonperishable food, a first aid kit, essential medications, and a phone charger or backup power source. Add a printed list of emergency contacts and tornado tips, just in case your phone isn’t working when you need it most.
   
   Use a fireproof and waterproof safe to store your most important documents, such as insurance information, ID cards, and property records. Having those protected and easy to access can make the recovery process a lot smoother if your home is damaged.
    

2. Stay informed.

   Use NOAA Weather Radio, local news stations, and trusted weather apps to stay updated. Because power and internet outages are common during storms, it’s a good idea to have more than one way to get alerts. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio is a great backup if mobile service goes down.
   
   It also helps to understand the alerts you’re seeing. A “tornado watch” typically means conditions are right for a tornado to form, while a “tornado warning” means one has been spotted or indicated by radar, and you need to take shelter immediately.
    

3. Know the signs.

   You don’t need a thunderstorm for a tornado to form. Look for other signs like dark or green-colored skies, low clouds that are large, or dark, big hail chunks, or the sound of a fast-moving freight train. These are all signs of a tornado, and if you see or hear any of them you should take shelter right away. A funnel cloud requires immediate action too, as it means a tornado has actually formed. If you can do so without endangering yourself, call your local broadcast stations so they can pass along the warning to others. As a further precaution, listen for the tornado sirens that sound during emergencies. These sirens are tested the first Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m.
    

4. Protect yourself.

   When a tornado warning is issued, act quickly. Where you are and what you do in the next few minutes can make a big difference. Here's what to keep in mind:
    
   • Go to your shelter space right away: If you’re at home, head to the basement or the lowest interior room without windows, such as closets, bathrooms, or hallways. If you’re in a public building, follow posted emergency procedures or go to a designated shelter area.
      
   • Get low and protect your head: Once you're in your shelter, crouch down close to the ground and cover your head and neck with your arms. Use items like pillows, blankets, or even a heavy coat to help shield yourself from flying debris.
      
   • If you’re in a vehicle: Vehicles are not considered safe shelter during a tornado. If you can, drive to the nearest sturdy building. If that’s not possible, some safety guidance suggests staying in the car with your seatbelt on, head below window level, and covered if possible, or if safe to do so, leaving the vehicle and taking shelter in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine.
      
   • If you’re caught outside: In open areas with no shelter, it’s commonly recommended to lie face down in a ditch or ravine, away from trees and cars. It’s not ideal, but it can help reduce exposure to flying debris.
      
   • Follow your drill at work or school: Schools and office buildings typically have tornado procedures in place. If a warning is issued, follow posted instructions and pay attention to guidance from staff, building management, or emergency personnel.



5. Stay alert, even after the tornado passes.

   Keep monitoring trusted news sources for updates about additional risks or emergency instructions. Avoid entering buildings until they’ve been cleared by professionals. If someone is injured, call for medical assistance and avoid moving them unless there’s immediate danger.

How a community association management company can help

A professional community association management company like FirstService Residential can offer support before, during, and after a tornado. From helping boards create or update emergency plans to identifying safe shelter areas and communicating clearly with residents, experienced management teams help communities stay ready. When severe weather hits, your management team can quickly share alerts and coordinate with emergency services. After the storm, they’re there to assess visible damage, engage trusted vendors, and support the recovery process. And because preparedness doesn’t end when the skies clear, your property manager can help keep safety a priority year-round with seasonal reminders, ongoing education, and emergency planning support.

To learn more about how FirstService Residential can support your community, contact us today.
 

More tornado safety resources for Minnesota

For more valuable tornado tips and guidelines, check out the helpful government resources below:

• Minnesota Department of Health: Local tornado preparedness and response plans.
   
• Red Cross: Tornado safety tips, checklists, and preparedness strategies.
   
• National Weather Service: Live storm alerts and forecasts.
   
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Emergency planning and recovery resources.
   
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS): National preparedness tips and emergency response guidelines.
   
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Tornado workplace safety regulations.
   
• NOAA Weather Radio: Real-time tornado warnings and updates.

This article provides general guidance on tornado safety tips for communities throughout Minnesota. It is not intended to replace professional advice, legal guidance, or emergency services. For specific concerns or immediate assistance, consult local emergency management authorities or appropriate professionals. Always prioritize the safety and well-being of community members by following official advisories and protocols.