City of Minneapolis urges residents to be prepared for severe storms

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The City of Minneapolis is warning residents as the potential of severe storms looms on Monday.

Minneapolis warning

What you can do:

The City of Minneapolis sent out a warning on Sunday, asking residents to prepare for the potential of severe storms.

The warning includes a list of reminders, including:

• Make sure you can receive severe weather alerts. You can download the FOX 9 Weather app to get live storm alerts and track any severe weather. You can also sign up for alerts from the city here.
• Be ready to shelter, if needed, in a basement or interior room on the lowest level of your home.
• Secure outdoor furniture and décor in preparation for strong winds.
• Clear leaves and debris from in front of catch basins to ensure water can get to the drain.
• Prepare for potential power outages by charging devices and having a flashlight on hand.

Severe weather preparedness

What they're saying:

"Don't be that person that says I never thought it would happen to me," said FOX 9 Storm Chaser Tim Purington.

FOX 9 Storm Chaser Tim Purington has chased severe weather for 30 years. He is telling you, this moderate threat is no joke.

"A lot of people, we haven't had a lot of severe weather, and they say, oh, moderate risk. And really, it's not that big a deal. And they don't have a plan in place," said Purington.

The last time the Twin Cities has seen a level 4 Moderate Threat was 2011. That includes tornadoes, large hail, damaging winds, and lightning likely. You will want to have a spot in mind to take shelter.

"If you're at home, you're definitely going to your basement away from any windows. If you don't have a basement, you're going to maybe an interior closet," said Rachel Sayre, Director of Minneapolis Emergency Management.

"If you know there's going to be a high risk of severe weather tomorrow, don't be out shopping and doing errands and doing that kind of stuff, make sure that you're hunkered down," said Purington.

You may also want to write your family members' phone numbers down in case your phone dies. Also, consider having a meeting place for when the storm is done and stay Sky Aware with FOX 9.

Potential for severe storms

What we know:

There is a moderate risk of severe weather for the Twin Cities and much of central and southern Minnesota on Monday.

The severe weather is expected to come in two waves.

First round:

The first round of storms will hit the metro area around 5 a.m. Monday, bringing with it the potential for large hail.

We will catch a break by early afternoon. This will allow our atmosphere to regroup and destabilize for the second wave.

Second round:

The greatest threat of severe storms is in the late afternoon/early evening. 

All severe modes are possible: large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. 

The tornado threat is very dependent on the structure of storms. Click here to read our full forecast.