If the monthly tornado warning siren sounds a little louder than usual this Wednesday, there's a reason for it.

The City of Minneapolis recently installed 15 new outdoor sirens and will be testing them this Wednesday, May 2. 

Minneapolis had to install the sirens to meet guidelines set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), bringing the total number of outdoor sirens in the city to 65. 

The new sirens will be in and around downtown Minneapolis, at the following locations:

• 1400 Chicago Ave. S. 
• 133 First Ave. N. 
• 1005 Portland Ave. N. 
• 424 Chicago Ave. S. 
• 600 First Ave. S. 
• 220 11th St. S. 
• 1200 Nicollet Mall
• 400 First Ave. N. 
• 800 LaSalle Ave. 
• 1201 Washington Ave. S. 
• 800 First St. N. 
• 300 Sixth St. S. 
• 1105 Eight St. S. 
• 527 Marquette Ave. 
• 400 Marquette Ave. 

The city's warning system sounds in the event of a tornado warning, or if a severe thunderstorm packs sustained winds in excess of 70 mph.

According to FEMA, the sirens can also be used in the event of flooding, nuclear accidents, and chemical spills. 

The 15 new sirens will be tested simultaneously with all other sirens as part of the statewide monthly test.