Stearns County Emergency Management

08/25/2026

Here are some great reminders from the Central MN EMS Region!

We’re in the final days of summer. That can only mean that back to school is just around the corner.

Quick Reminders for the Season Ahead:
*School Zones Are Back: Expect extra traffic, lower speed limits, and sudden stops around schools and bus routes during morning and afternoon transitions.
*Watch for Walking & Biking Students: Kids are excited, distracted, and moving fast—keep an eye on crosswalks and neighborhood intersections.
*Patience on the Road: Give school buses plenty of distance, and always stop when red lights are flashing and stop arms are extended.

08/25/2026

August is National Emergency Management Awareness Month and a great time to share some additional detail about the work that is done in this office. We work hard everyday to make sure that we are ready to stand up and serve the community when emergencies and disasters happen. We appreciate your support and your own personal preparedness efforts as we work together as a community to keep us as safe as possible. We look forward to continuing to keep you updated on weather events, preparedness activities and disaster response well into the future.

08/25/2026

Stearns County is included in an area of marginal risk for strong to severe storms today, Tuesday August 25. Any storms that develop could produce large hail and damaging winds. Storm development is expected this afternoon. Keep an eye on the sky and have a plan in place in the event that warnings are issued to keep yourself safe.

Scattered thunderstorms develop across eastern Minnesota & western Wisconsin late this afternoon & evening.
Large hail & damaging wind gusts are possible with the strongest storms, especially east of Interstate 35.

08/24/2026

Here is the official update about drought conditions from the National Weather Service. Most of Stearns County is in an area of moderate drought, while some remains in an area considered abnormally dry. The next update will be provided in September. Keep your fingers crossed for the rain we currently have in the forecast to make it this way.

https://www.weather.gov/media/mpx/DGT/DGT_MPX_08202026.pdf

08/21/2026

Stearns County is under a severe thunderstorm warning. For storms currently near Sauk Centre and Paynesville

08/20/2026

Stearns County is included in a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until Midnight tonight Thursday August 20th. Threats with these storm could include scattered large or very large hail up to 2", 70+ MPH winds, and a tornado is possible. Remain weather aware throughout the evening and seek shelter if a warning is issued.

08/20/2026

Stearns County is included in the slight risk (2 of 5) for severe weather today, Thursday August 20th. An initial round of weather is ongoing with the highest risk of severe weather tonight.

08/19/2026

National Emergency Management Awareness Month! What do we do in Emergency Management?

08/18/2026

Stearns County is under a severe thunderstorm watch until midnight tonight, Monday 8/17. Isolated very large (2.5"+) hail is possible with these storms along with 70+MPH winds. Remain weather aware for the remainder of the evening and be prepared to seek immediate shelter.