Tornado warning times are shrinking

Maplewood siren
A weather siren in Maplewood.
Tim Nelson | MPR News file

Americans are getting less advance notice about tornadoes.

A recent analysis by the Washington Post's Capitol Weather Gang found that between 2005 to 2011, the tornado lead time — the amount of warning time before a tornado strikes — was typically between 13 to 15 minutes. As of 2015, the lead time had dropped to eight minutes.

MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with DNR climatologist Ken Blumenfeld about why this may be happening.

Click on the audio player above to hear their conversation.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.