Statewide tornado drills coming today

The National Weather Service, along with emergency management agencies in Minnesota, will conduct the drills this afternoon, along with a second drill this evening for some Minnesota counties.

Here is a timeline for how west central Minnesota will be affected (times subject to change):

1 p.m. - Weather Service issues a simulated tornado watch for Minnesota

1:45 p.m. - Weather Service issues a simulated tornado warning for Minnesota counties; cities and counties will activate sirens.

2 p.m. - end of afternoon drill

6:55 p.m - a second simulated tornado warning will be issued for 73 Minnesota counties as a test for people at home and for second-shift workers. Sirens will sound again in participating counties, including all west central Minnesota counties. Three surrounding counties of Sibley, Lincoln and Pipestone are not participating.