todd krause

Officials have confirmed two storm-related deaths in Michigan, raising to eight the toll from the heavy rain, powerful winds and tornadoes that formed across the region. The Shiawassee County sheriff's department says 59-year-old Philip Daniel Smith of Perry in central Michigan was found dead and entangled in high-voltage power wires after going outside late Sunday to investigate a noise.

Dry conditions have led to a big decrease in the number of tornadoes in Minnesota.

Today kicks off Winter Hazard Awareness Week and state officials want you to be prepared for the upcoming winter. Todd Krause is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. He says pay attention to the forecast and be prepared.

Like last year, Minnesota is off to a slow start to the severe weather season. And, it could continue for awhile as predictions come in about cooler than normal weather into June or even July.