Reminder: Tornado warning sirens will sound twice today for test It's part of Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota. Author: Hennepin County Emergency Management Emergency sirens around Minnesota will sound twice on Thursday as part of statewide tornado drills amid Severe Weather Awareness Week. Outdoor warning sirens will sound in the simulated tornado warning at 1:45 p.m. and at 6:45 p.m. so people can practice taking shelter as if there was real severe weather. On average, Minnesota experiences on average 28 tornados per year, as well as other severe weather like damaging straight-line winds, hail and lightning. State officials say understanding Minnesota's severe weather threats and knowing what to do when a tornado or other severe weather approaches can save lives.