Winona County Emergency Management

05/28/2026

FOUND SAFE

Missing person Elijah McCumber has been located safe.

Thank you to everyone who searched, shared our posts, offered assistance, and supported the search efforts in any way. We appreciate the community’s help and concern.

05/27/2026

04/23/2026

A line of thunderstorms will move through the region during the evening and overnight hours on Thursday. Storms will initially move into southeast MN and northeast IA where a level 2 out of 5 risk for severe storms is present and lesser confidence further east. Damaging wind gusts and hail up to quarter sized will be the main threats with any severe storms. Be sure to stay weather aware and seek shelter as storms approach!

04/17/2026

⚠️There have been many tornadoes reported along the line of storms coming through southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa. Please stay weather aware and don't mess around with these storms. Take shelter immediately if you are in the path of these storms!

04/17/2026

*** POST EXPIRED***The severe storm threat will continue through the mid afternoon. This line of storms has a history of producing multiple tornadoes. Large hail and damaging winds will also be a threat. Stay weather aware and if you are in the path of the storms please take shelter immediately!

04/17/2026

🚨 Tornado Watch Issued for Winona County 🚨

The National Weather Service has issued Tornado Watch #129 until 8:00 PM CDT this evening, replacing part of Severe Thunderstorm Watch #128.

This watch includes the following Southeast Minnesota counties:
Dodge, Fillmore, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha, and Winona County.

🌩️ What this means:
Conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms to develop. Not all storms will produce tornadoes, but it is important to stay alert.

🛑 What you should do now:
• Review your severe weather safety plan
• Identify your safe shelter location (basement or interior room on the lowest floor)
• Have multiple ways to receive warnings (NOAA Weather Radio, phone alerts, local media)
• Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued

📱 Stay tuned to trusted weather sources and follow Winona County Emergency Management for updates.

04/17/2026

***POST EXPIRED*** A strong to severe storm threat is increasing across NE Iowa and SE Minnesota this morning. Large hail and some damaging winds will be possible with the strongest storms.

04/16/2026

⛈️ Tornado Drill Reminder – Winona County ⛈️

Severe Weather Awareness Week is underway, and it’s time to practice your safety plan!

📅 Statewide Tornado Drills:
Thursday, April 16
🕐 1:45 PM & 6:45 PM

🚨 Winona County will be activating ALL outdoor warning sirens during both drill times.

This is a great opportunity to:
✔️ Practice going to your safe place (basement or interior room)
✔️ Review emergency plans with family or coworkers
✔️ Make sure your weather alerts are turned on

⚠️ Reminder:
• This is only a drill — no actual Tornado Warning will be issued
• No Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) will be sent to phones
• Sirens may sound depending on your location (they WILL in Winona County)

Take a few minutes to be prepared — it could save your life.