Target Field gets 'storm ready' approval

The National Weather Service has designated Target Field as a storm-ready facility. To get the designation, the Minnesota Twins had to complete several steps.

The team had to develop a severe weather plan and then train ballpark ushers and staff on its procedures. Under the plan, the team keeps trained weather spotters at the ballpark as well as an on-site emergency operations center.

Team officials say the Twins are the only Major League Baseball team with a meterologist who monitors bad weather from the ballpark. Earlier this season, the team chose not to announce a tornado warning that occurred during a game. Team officials said an announcement wasn't necessary because the danger was far enough away.

Target Field is the first sports facility in Minnesota to be designated StormReady. However, Busch Stadium in St. Louis was the first Major League ballpark to be certified.

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