Tornado alert in Minnesota, Wisconsin: Essential dos and don'ts you must know

A tornado alert has been issued for several Minnesota cities, including Minnesota, Coon Rapids and Blaine. The tornado watch also includes Kenosha County in Wisconsin, and will run through 10 p.m., National Weather Services officials have told the media.

"That storm, located near Towanda, is moving northeast at 50 miles per hour, and could produce wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour, along with egg-size hail," NBC Chicago reported. "-Just outside of the Chicago area, a severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Livingston and Ford counties until 8:30 p.m," it added.

According to the Storm Prediction Center, "There is an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms across east-central Minnesota....much of Wisconsin...Southern and Western lower Michigan...Northeast Illinois...Northern Indiana and northwest ohio..there is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms portions of Virginia and Northeast North Carolina."

"Severe thunderstorms are expected across parts of the upper Mississippi River Valley and Great Lakes this afternoon and evening. Tornadoes, some of which could be strong, and very large hail and damaging winds will be possible. Severe thunderstorms are also expected through the lower Ohio River Valley, Ozarks and in parts of the Mid-Atlantic," it added.

What you absolutely should do when tornado alerts hit
Do take every warning seriously right now
If your phone buzzes with a tornado warning, don’t wait to check the news or shrug it off. Tornadoes can form quickly and move fast—sometimes giving you only minutes to act. Even if you don’t see funnel clouds outside, trust the experts and start your safety plan immediately.

Do find your safe spot now
The safest place during a tornado is a small, windowless room on the lowest floor of your home. Basements are ideal. If you don’t have a basement, find an interior bathroom, closet, or hallway. Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.

Got kids? Make sure their safe spot is clear and ready, and practice this regularly so everyone knows exactly where to go without asking.

Do keep your emergency kit handy
Your kit should include water, snacks, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, your phone charger, and important documents. And don’t forget some sturdy shoes—you’ll want to protect your feet from debris if you have to walk through wreckage.

Do use multiple ways to get warnings
Phones are great, but cell service can fail during storms. Have a weather radio, keep a weather app that works offline, and listen for local sirens. If you live in a rural area with spotty signals, these backups can be lifesavers.

Do help your neighbors
Check on elderly or disabled neighbors who might need extra time or help getting to safety. Community support saves lives, especially during rapidly developing storms.

What you should never do when tornado warnings are active
Don’t stay near windows or doors
A big no-no. Tornado winds can shatter glass and send dangerous shards flying everywhere. Even if you’re in a “safe” room, stay away from windows and cover yourself with blankets, pillows, or a mattress.

Don’t try to outrun the tornado in your car
This is a common misconception and can be deadly. Tornadoes move erratically and often faster than you think. If you’re driving, the best option is to find a sturdy building to shelter in or, if that’s impossible, lie flat in a low spot like a ditch, covering your head.

Don’t open windows
Some people think opening windows equalizes pressure and prevents damage, but this is false and wastes precious time. Just close all windows and doors tight.

Don’t ignore nighttime warnings
Since tornadoes are more common at night than you might expect, make sure you have a loud alarm or weather radio that can wake you up. Don’t rely only on your phone’s silent mode.

Don’t underestimate the danger
Panic won’t help, but neither will ignoring the risks. Stay calm, follow your plan, and focus on doing the right things quickly.