• Severe weather warnings are issued by the National Weather Service. 
  • Know the terms and what they mean. 
• Warning sirens are operated by each county. 
• Personal weather alerts – Many cell phone apps and local media outlets and internet sites offer free local personal weather alerting services. 
• Wireless Emergency Alerts – Sent by authorities to all cell phones in specific area to warn of a dangerous situation or critical information

Types of Warnings 

WEATHER WARNING 

• A dangerous weather or event is occurring or imminent. 
• Likely significant threat to life or property. 
• Take protective action immediately.

WEATHER WATCH

• Weather conditions are favorable for a hazardous weather event. 
• Stay alert to changing conditions. 
• Make alternate plans. 
• Be aware of possible shelter or evacuation routes.

WEATHER ADVISORY 

• Less hazardous weather conditions or less specific locations. 
• Weather may still pose significant safety risk or travel problems. 
• Situations are possible that could threaten life or property.

Personal Weather Alerts

Personal and localized electronic weather alerts are available across Minnesota from weather related apps or local media outlets in a variety of formats.

• Email 
• Text messages 
• Cell phones 
• Computers 
• Tablets 
• Social media
• Weather.com
• Accuweather.com
• Emergency Email and Wireless Network
• WDAY - Fargo / Moorhead

Siren Activation Information

• Counties and cities in Minnesota own and operate all warning sirens in their jurisdictions. 
• Sirens in Clay County are activated from the Red River Regional Dispatch Center based on weather warnings. 
• Sirens normally sound for about two to three minutes and then go silent. 
• There is no such thing as an "all-clear" siren.