Weather Emergencies

Severe Thunderstorm Watch means that conditions are favorable for thunderstorms that may produce wind gusts to 58 mph or stronger or hail to 3/4 inch or larger. These watches are issued for 1 to 12 hours at a time and often include several counties. Stay informed, watch the sky, and take cover if a severe thunderstorm approaches you.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning (Sirens Sound) means that radar or a trained spotter has detected a severe thunderstorm. Take cover if you are near the severe thunderstorm.

Tornado Watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. It is normally issued for several hours and may include several counties. If you are in or near the tornado watch area, stay informed via NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television. Keep your eye on the sky and be prepared to take cover at short notice. Tornadoes can occur with little or no warning.

Tornado Warning (Sirens Sound) means that a tornado has been sighted or a developing tornado is reported by trained spotters or indicated on Doppler radar. A warning is typically issued by county and usually expires in about an hour. If a tornado warning is issued in your area TAKE COVER IMMEDIATELY!

TORNADO Warning Signs:

  • Dark greenish-colored sky
  • Large hail
  • Strong winds
  • Flying debris
  • Wall cloud
  • Funnel cloud
  • Roaring noise, like a freight trainMobile Homes:

Never stay in a mobile home during a tornado; report to your storm shelter.

Framed Homes:

  • Stay away from windows
  • Go to the basement or lowest level of the house
  • Choose a center room, an inner hallway or closet
  • Cover your head and face with a blanket

 

Outside:

  • Go to a protected space with no windows
  • Avoid large-span roofing like those found in gyms, arenas or malls
  • Don’t try to outrun a tornado in a car. Stop driving, get out and take shelter
  • Crouch beside a strong structure or lie down in a ditch or ground depression


The Warning gives you time toget in and tune in.

 

Flash Flood Watch This is issued when a heavy rain may develop and result in flash flooding in or near the watch area.

 

Flash Flood Warning Flash flooding in the warning area has developed or is imminent. If you’re in a low-lying area move to higher ground at once! Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory Local flooding of small streams, streets, or low lying areas such as railroad underpasses is occurring or is imminent.

Outdoor Alert Sirens
Baldwin Area EMS would like to remind citizens that the first Wednesday of every month the Outdoor Warning Sirens are tested between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. Tests may be postponed if severe weather is present on the day of the test.

The outdoor warning sirens are meant to warn you when outdoors. You may not hear them inside your house and they may not awaken you during the night. We advise citizens to purchase a NOAA weather alert radio. Several retail stores sell these types of live saving radios starting around $25.

GET IN, TUNE IN! When the National Weather Service issues a storm warning for St. Croix County or a certified weather spotter reports a severe storm, the St. Croix County Emergency Communications Center activates the sirens throughout the entire county. While you may see clear sky in the village, severe weather is in the county and may be moving this way.

GET IN, TUNE IN! The outdoor warning sirens may also be activated for serious hazardous materials spills and other dangerous situations or emergencies. Outdoor warning sirens are no longer called “tornado sirens” for that reason. Incidentally, there is no longer an “all clear” siren sounded once a warning has expired.

GET IN, TUNE IN! When the sirens sound, tune into your radio or TV (WCCO, Weather Channel or FM radio) for local emergency messages regarding the siren activation.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL 9-1-1 unless you need EMS, police or fire department for immediate life saving emergencies!!