Winona County Emergency Management

07/26/2026

Today is expected to be very hot. If you don't have access to air conditioning or just need a break from the heat, you're welcome to stop by our Emergency Department waiting room to cool down.

07/26/2026

07/24/2026

Strong partnerships are built long before an emergency happens.

Winona County Emergency Management was happy to participate in this training alongside the Winona County Sheriff's Office Water Patrol and Dive Rescue Team and our other public safety partners.

Training together and getting to know one another before a major incident occurs helps us build trust, improve communication, and coordinate safer, more effective responses when lives are on the line. These opportunities strengthen our ability to serve the residents and visitors of Winona County when they need us most.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this training possible and for your continued commitment to preparedness.

07/19/2026

⚠️ SEVERE STORMS POSSIBLE MONDAY — TWO ROUNDS POSSIBLE ⚠️

The National Weather Service indicates that Winona County could experience multiple rounds of thunderstorms on Monday, July 20.

🌩️ Monday morning threats: • Strong wind gusts up to 60 mph
• Heavy rainfall and localized flooding

⛈️ Afternoon and evening threats: • Damaging winds potentially exceeding 70 mph
• Large hail potentially up to 2 inches in diameter
• A few tornadoes
• Heavy rainfall and localized flooding

The timing and location of the strongest storms will depend on how the morning storms develop. Everyone should remain weather-aware throughout the day and be prepared to take shelter quickly.

Severe weather safety tips:
✅ Have multiple ways to receive warnings, including Wireless Emergency Alerts, weather apps, local media and a NOAA Weather Radio.
✅ Do not rely solely on outdoor warning sirens—they are designed primarily to alert people who are outside.
✅ Charge phones and other essential devices.
✅ Know where you will shelter. Go to a basement or small interior room on the lowest level, away from windows.
✅ Secure outdoor furniture, trampolines and other loose objects.
✅ Move vehicles and equipment under cover when possible.
✅ Never drive through flooded roads. Turn around, don’t drown.
✅ When thunder roars, go indoors.

An Air Quality Alert is also in effect through Monday morning due to wildfire smoke. Sensitive individuals should limit prolonged outdoor activity and keep windows closed when possible.

Please continue monitoring the forecast and be ready to act if a warning is issued.

07/18/2026

*** POST EXPIRED - Please see our page for more up to date information. ***

Multiple rounds of storms are possible Monday from the morning through the evening. Uncertainty in exact details regarding location and timing exists, but there is the potential for these storms to become severe with all hazards possible.

07/17/2026

PRESS RELEASE: Fatal Water Incident at Airport Lake

On July 16, 2026, at approximately 7:59 p.m., the Winona County Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting that a male was missing in Airport Lake.

Multiple public safety agencies responded and began an immediate search. After approximately 40 minutes, responders located the missing individual. Life-saving measures were attempted, but the 22-year-old male was pronounced deceased.

The individual’s name will be released after family notifications have been completed.

The Winona County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the individual’s family and friends during this difficult time.

07/10/2026

**PRESS RELEASE**

Plane Crash Near County Roads 33 and 6

At approximately 6:52 p.m., Winona County Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a plane crash near the intersection of Winona County Road 33 and Winona County Road 6.

The aircraft was identified as a Glasair I RG. Preliminary information indicates the pilot experienced engine trouble and was attempting to make an emergency landing.

The pilot, a 62-year-old man, was the only occupant and was able to exit the aircraft. He was transported by Lewiston Ambulance to Mayo Clinic Hospital–Saint Marys Campus for treatment.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are assisting with the investigation.

Responding agencies included the Winona County Sheriff’s Office, Lewiston Ambulance, Lewiston Fire Department, Winona County Emergency Management, and the Minnesota State Patrol.

The incident remains under investigation. Additional information will be released when appropriate.

07/08/2026

07/08/2026

Public Safety Day at the Winona County Fair has been canceled due to weather.

Due to the threat of severe weather, Public Safety Day scheduled for Wednesday, July 8 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM has been canceled.

The Winona County Fair remains open. Please continue to follow updates from the Winona County Fair for any schedule or event changes.

With the potential for severe weather, many of our public safety partners need to remain available to respond to weather-related emergencies throughout the county.

The safety of attendees, responders, volunteers, and event partners is our top priority. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and thank all of the agencies who were preparing to participate.

Please stay weather aware and have multiple ways to receive alerts.