Wilkin County Emergency Management

04/17/2026

It's the last day of Minnesota Severe Weather Awareness Week! Today's topics: Extreme Heat and Wildfires.

During heatwaves, you can keep yourself safe from heat stroke and heat exhaustion by following a few simple steps.
Limit outdoor activities. 🙅☀️
Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. 🥤
Wear light-colored clothing and sunscreen. 🧴
Work outdoors early or very late in the day. 🌅

For more info: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/programs/weather-safety/severe-weather-awareness-week

04/16/2026

Outdoor warning sirens will sound twice today across the state. When they do, practice your response and review your safety plans so you are ready if a tornado strikes.

Seek shelter in a basement or an interior room on the lowest level of a building. Stay away from windows and protect your head. Practicing now helps you react faster when the seconds count.

Know what to do: https://www.weather.gov/mpx/swawday4

04/15/2026

The annual Severe Weather Awareness Week Tornado Drills will occur tomorrow, with the first at 1:45pm and a second at 6:45pm.

More info at https://weather.gov/mpx/swaw

04/15/2026

Statewide Tornado Drill
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
Thursday, April 16th
1:45 p.m. & 6:45 p.m.
Sirens will sound!

04/15/2026

📢Did you know that it only takes 6 inches of moving water to sweep a person off their feet? 🚧 Never enter water of unknown depth or velocity - Turn Around, Don't Drown! 🚧

According to the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) more deaths happen each year because of flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard.

Flooding is one of the most common and dangerous weather hazards in Minnesota. Never drive through flooded roads. Even a small amount of water can carry a car away, and roads may be washed out underneath.

During a flood, turn around, don't drown.

Stay informed: https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown

04/15/2026

📱🚨Great information about alerts that are built into your cell phone!🚨📱

One of the best ways to receive warnings is Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). What is WEA? Direct message sent to your phone for:
Tornado Warning
Flash Flood Warning*
Snow Squall Warning
And a few other alerts not relevant to people in northwest and west central Minnesota
Almost all modern smartphones capable
Geographic targeting – should only be alerted when it impacts you
Should already be turned on, but check your phone to be sure!
Usually Settings > Notifications > Emergency alerts or Government Alerts
Note – on some devices, they might not go off if device is in “do not disturb” mode

04/14/2026

Our friends at Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management have put together some fantastic information on how to stay safe during lightning and severe thunderstorms!

Did you know lightning can strike more than 10 miles from the location of rainfall? Thunder is nature's warning alert to seek shelter immediately.

Once inside a sturdy building, stay away from windows and avoid using electrical devices during lightning. Wait 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before going back outside.

Visit National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for more: https://www.noaa.gov/jetstream/lightning/lightning-safety

04/13/2026

📢 It's Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota! 📢

🚨Today the focus is on alerts and warnings. What method(s) do you have to receive alerts and warnings about severe weather or other hazards?

Wilkin County provides a robust system called Wilkin Alerts to county residents as a way to communicate important information about hazards and you can even receive personalized weather warnings!

Register for Wilkin Alerts!
Receive notifications via text 📱, email 💻 or phone 📲 about severe weather, threats to public safety, and other emergency situations.
To sign-up:
visit https://wilkincounty.gov/wilkinalerts
OR
Text "wilkinalerts" to 226787

04/10/2026

Severe Weather Awareness Week is coming up and it’s a great time to review what to do when a storm hits.

Floods, tornadoes and severe thunderstorms can happen quickly. Take a few minutes to go over your household safety plans — small steps now can make a big difference.

Follow along next week for daily tips to help you stay safe during severe weather.

Learn more: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/programs/weather-safety/severe-weather-awareness-week

04/03/2026

Heavy snow is forecasted across the region late Friday into Saturday. The heaviest snow will occur Friday evening into early Saturday morning, when snowfall rates will approach 1 inch per hour at some locations. Snow will taper off from west to east Saturday afternoon. Make sure to check the latest forecast before heading out the next few days.

03/15/2026

The bulk of the moisture overnight shifted well south into southern Minnesota. Thus in many areas snowfall amounts were not as high as anticipated. Gusty north winds to 40 mph will create blowing and drifting snow impacts in the southern Red River valley today, south of Fargo. Additional snow this morning, less than an inch in far southeast ND & west central MN.

03/13/2026

⚠️ Another round of winter is on its way - prepare accordingly ⚠️

Snow, mainly near the South Dakota border, will bring winter travel impacts Saturday afternoon into Sunday. Snow and some blowing snow will make travel dangerous in portions of southeastern North Dakota and west central Minnesota.