Behind The Scenes: National Weather Service Ready When Severe Weather Hits Minnesota [VIDEO]
CHANHASSEN - When severe weather strikes Minnesota, the National Weather Service is in charge of issuing watches and warnings across the state.
During a weather warning, meteorologists use a mapping system on the computer to keep track of storms and collect data. Warnings and information on the storm can then be sent to radio/TV stations and public safety departments.
Todd Krause is the warning coordination meteorologist at the facility. He says it's crucial to ensure that the word gets out quickly and accurately.
"Issuing warnings is no laughing matter-in that you really do have an important responsibility," Krause says.
Krause adds that one of the biggest challenges for a meteorologist is trying to map and predict the future of a storm.
"You've got to figure out-are these storms moving straight? Are they moving to the right or left?" Krause says.
The public safety aspect is the National Weather Service’s largest concern. Getting the information out quickly can potentially save lives when severe weather hits.
"It's really that aspect of public safety that gives many of us the most satisfaction," Krause says.
The NWS is also in charge of constantly updating daily weather forecast.
The office is staffed with at least two meteorologists at any given time. Each has a workstation armed with several computer screens to give them multiple maps and viewpoints on the weather.
More From AM 1240 WJON
![Severe Thunderstorms Race Across Much of Minnesota Saturday](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2019/04/GettyImages-895010376.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Ammo Vending Machines Are Real, So Are They Coming To MN?](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2024/07/attachment-Image-Credit-American-Rounds-via-YouTune-Canva.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Cloud Native Making A Difference In Flooded Waterville](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2024/07/attachment-Waterville-Minnesota-Google-Maps.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Uh Ope: Storm Chasers Are Coming Back to Minnesota Today](http://townsquare.media/site/66/files/2024/06/attachment-448979639_1051360203013337_4092372527224944328_n-e1719229935915.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Storms Produce Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Wednesday](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2022/05/attachment-johannes-plenio-ESL1rIs9j48-unsplash-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Get Ready! Professional Storm Chasers Are Here In Minnesota Today](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2024/06/attachment-Image-Credit-Canva-Reed-Timmer-via-Youtube.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Have You Heard? The Red Rooster Crowned Top Bloody Mary Again](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2024/03/attachment-Image-Credit-Google-Maps-misunderstood-whiskey-via-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Uncover The Hidden Giants: Detroit Lakes’ Magical Troll Art Project](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2024/05/attachment-Image-Credit-google-Maps-and-CBS-Sunday-Morning-via-Youtube.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![New England Flavor Coming To Central Minnesota This Sunday](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2024/04/attachment-Image-Credit-Canva-and-alexander-grey-via-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)