Rochester Weather Sirens Aren’t Only for Tornadoes – Here’s What They Mean

In Minnesota, were pretty used to hearing the weather warning sirens go off on the first Wednesday of the month for testing. Obviously it's to make sure they're in working condition for when bad weather inevitably rolls through and people need to be warned.

But what bad weather are the sirens indicating, exactly? Turns out, they aren't just for tornadoes. At least in Rochester, MN.

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Why the Weather Warning Sirens Might Go Off

A tornado in the area is the most well-known reason the sirens might go off. The Rochester Fire Department shared on Facebook that the sirens will go off when there has been a radar-indicated tornado or a visually confirmed tornado.

Another reason the sirens might go off is for hail that's 2 inches or larger. I didn't know that!

And the third reason the sirens may sound, is when there's wind that's 70 MPH or higher.

Weather Warning Sirens Are Not Meant for People Indoors

Another interesting thing I learned from what the city shared, is that the sirens are not meant for those of us hanging out inside. It's meant to warn people who are outside to get somewhere safe indoors and to check in with a trusted weather source.

I had no idea that it was only intended for people who are outside! I mean, it makes sense, but still. Intended for people inside or not, it's still helpful to let those of us inside know that there's something going on and if you aren't paying attention to the weather you probably should and possibly take shelter.