Tornadoes in Minnesota: How Often Do They Really Happen?

Some years we worry about snow in the spring in Minnesota, but most of the time the main weather threat is strong thunderstorms with damaging winds and large hail.

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The National Weather Service designates a week in April as Severe Weather Awareness Week and covers a different threat each day. One day, they'll talk about thunderstorms with lightning and hail. Another day, they'll focus on teaching about floods. There's also a day just for extreme heat, and another one for tornadoes and how to stay safe during them.

Tornadoes can be scary because they form quickly and cause a lot of damage. But how often do they actually happen in Minnesota?

The Difference Between Tornado Watches and Warnings

Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for areas where conditions are right for tornadoes to form. Watches cover large areas. Tornado Warnings mean a tornado has been sighted by a spotter or on radar. People in the area where a warning is issued need to seek shelter immediately.

How Common Are Tornadoes in Minnesota?

The Minnesota DNR says Minnesota averages about 46 tornadoes each year with most occurring between May through September

"At any one place, tornadoes are extremely rare, but the conditions that support them occur multiple and sometimes dozens of times per year in the region."

Tornadoes may not be as common in Minnesota as in some other states, but officials still urge residents to be ready for the worst. One way to prepare is by putting together a disaster survival kit—which includes a lot more items than you'd expect.

The City of Rochester has info on how to build disaster survival kits and says it should include everything listed below.