Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Nancy Yang

False alarm: Sirens go off in Hennepin County after 'malfunction'

Emergency siren
Emergency sirens went off accidentally in Hennepin County.
Tim Nelson for MPR News

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Updated: 7:27 a.m. | Posted: 6:41 a.m.

It's OK, everyone — there's no weather emergency or alien invasion.

Tornado sirens accidentally went off around 6:10 a.m. Tuesday in Hennepin County, waking up (and confusing) countless residents and sending Twitter in a frenzy that the end was here.

#

Blame a "mistake/malfunction."

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office said workers were doing some maintenance on the system when the tornado sirens accidentally sounded.

"The outdoor warning siren system is tested daily to ensure functionality. The system experienced a momentary computer hardware malfunction during the daily test. The system has since been repaired and all systems are operating normally," said a statement from the sheriff's office.

Consider it a preview. This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week. Two statewide drills are scheduled for Thursday at 1:45 p.m. and 6:55 p.m.

MPR News reporter Riham Feshir contributed to this report.