The Hidden Phone Setting That Could Save Your Life During a Minnesota Tornado

There were some tense moments Monday afternoon and evening in Southern Minnesota as a violent weather system moved through the region.

Local media did what local media does and provided updates on air and online and as the National Weather Service triggered tornado warnings many phones lit up with the alert information. My wife’s phone started blaring that unmistakable emergency tone. Mine did nothing.

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Monday's storm system was as strong as predicted, attracting world-famous storm chasers like Reed Timmer and his armored "Dominator 3" to the area. With funnel clouds spotted near Wabasha and trees ripped from the ground across Fillmore County, the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system was the primary source of information for many.

When those alerts fail to go off, it’s rarely a tower issue—it’s usually a hidden setting buried deep in your smartphone.

Is Your Phone "Storm Ready?":

A message similar to the one below should have appeared on your phone, if your device is set up correctly.

If your phone didn't blare that unmistakable tone last night, take 30 seconds right now to check these settings. It could be the most important thing you do before the next line of storms hits.

How to Enable Emergency Alerts on iPhone:

• Open Settings and tap Notifications.
• Scroll to the very bottom of the list.
• Under Government Alerts, ensure Emergency Alerts and Public Safety Alerts are toggled ON (green).
• Pro Tip: Tap "Emergency Alerts" and turn on Always Deliver. This ensures the siren sounds even if your phone is on "Silent" or "Do Not Disturb."

How to Enable Emergency  Alerts on Android:

• Open Settings and search for "Wireless Emergency Alerts." (Usually found under Safety & Emergency or Notifications).
• Ensure the Allow alerts toggle is turned on.
• Double-check that Extreme threats and Severe threats are both checked.
• Make sure State and local tests are turned off if you don't want those, but Always hazard alerts should remain on.

Last night's "silent phone" phenomenon is a reminder that you should never rely on just one device. Whether it’s a NOAA weather radio, a local media station, or our station app with push notifications having more than one way to receive info is essential.