Spring soaker rolls in, potential 1 inch rains, statewide tornado drill tomorrow

Minnesota thirsty soils, trees, lawns and fields are about to get a much needed soaking. That's good news for many Minnesota farmers who will welcome some additional moisture on dusty fields in southern Minnesota as planting season cranks up.

Scattered bands of rain increase in coverage across Minnesota today. The heaviest waves of rain build in from the west late tonight and Thursday morning, with some locally heavy (and welcome?) downpours possible.

Here's the latest surface low pressure track and rainfall timing over the Upper Midwest from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Digital Forecast Database.

I expect some widespread half-inch to 1 inch rainfall totals through tomorrow. Some lucky spots may pick up more than an inch, especially in northeast Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The Duluth National Weather Service weighs in:

Both afternoon rush hour today and morning rush Thursday should feature wet roadways in the Twin Cities area. Your lawn may look a few shades greener by Friday.

Looking better Friday and Saturday?

The first low pressure wave moves out later Thursday. The second wave slides in late Sunday with the next soaking rain into early next week.

In between, Friday and Saturday are looking better than they did a few days ago. Plenty of sunshine and temperatures that may approach 60 degrees Friday afternoon will feel nice.

The reason you haven't heard me threaten snow early next week? I'm not buying into the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts notion of accumulating snow early next week just yet.

The whole "weather terrorist" act is really not my thing. I'm happy to jump on a system if I believe it looks credible several days out, but not this one yet. In fact, the overnight European center run backed off the notion of accumulating snow early next week in favor of a cool rain that may produce a wintry mix as it tapers off.

I still think the European model's temps are too cold, and NOAA's Global Forecast System has a better handle on temps with next week's system at this point.

Stay tuned on this. I'm leaning mostly cool rain early next week but I'll keep one eye out for (colder) solutions and let you know if I see any changes.

Severe Weather Awareness Week rolls on

I suppose it's a good idea to talk flash floods on a day when some local downpours roam across the landscape.

Tomorrow's severe weather fare from the Twin Cities National Weather Service is the annual statewide tornado drill. It's a good day to talk to your family and coworkers about tornadoes, and what you will do when the sirens sound for real. Do you know where your sever weather shelter area is at work?

As researches have learned more about tornado damage patterns from massive tornadoes like those that damaged Oklahoma City, Okla., Tuscaloosa, Ala.,  and Joplin, Mo., advice has evolved on the best way to be safe if a tornado strikes.

The best advice in simple terms? You are safest inside, with as many walls between you and the tornado.

One disturbing trend. People are waiting far too long to take action even after multiple warning signals. Research shows people ignored NWS tornado warnings, radio/TV warnings, cell phone weather apps and visual sightings in the deadly Joplin tornado and did not take cover until it was too late.

Here's the latest from NOAA.

Tornado Safety Information

Before the Tornado...

Tornado watches highlight the area where tornadoes are most likely to develop. Continue with your normal activites, but keep informed of the latest weather information and be ready to get to shelter in case tornadoes develop quickly.

In the Home...

Go to the basement if possible. Get under a table, work bench, or some other sturdy furniture to avoid falling debris. A stairwell is also a good place to hide during a tornado.

If You Cannot Get to a Basement...

Go to a small interior room on the lowest floor. Closets, bathrooms, and interior halls afford the best protection in most cases, or try to hide under a bed. Get under something sturdy or cover yourself with blankets. Stay away from windows.

In an Apartment, School or Office Building...

Move to the inner-most room on the lowest level or to a pre-designated shelter area. Stay away from windows. If in a hallway, crouch down and protect your head from flying debris. Avoid areas with glass and large roof expansions.

In a Mobile Home, Car, Truck or Other Vehicle...

Abandon these as quickly as possible. Seek a sturdy shelter or permanent structure. Remember that many deaths occur when people try to drive away in a vehicle, but get caught in the deadly winds. Avoid bridges since they act as wind tunnels.

Prepare now to have that split second advantage that may save your life when tornadoes strike.