Have you ever wondered why we don’t always hear the sirens during severe weather events?
The specific guidelines for sounding sirens actually vary by city. Some will sound the outdoor sirens for tornado warnings only. Other cities will sound them for severe thunderstorms, but even the criteria for sounding the sirens for severe (non-rotating) storms can differ, as well.
For instance, severe thunderstorm warnings are issued by the National Weather Service when a storm has winds of 58 mph or stronger and/or hail that is one inch in diameter or larger. Some communities won’t sound the siren unless the severe thunderstorm has winds exceeding 70 mph, as that can cause trees to be uprooted or snapped.
The other variable in severe-warned storms is hail. Hail that is golf ball-sized or larger can break windows. Both of these weather threats pose a direct risk to life if people are caught outdoors.
If you want to know the criteria for the sirens to sound in your community, the short answer is to check with your local city or township. Many list the criteria on their website.
Sirens are typically activated by city or county officials, usually a police or fire department or emergency management personnel.
It’s just as important to remember that sirens are an outdoor warning system designed only to alert those who are outside that something dangerous is approaching. They are not necessarily designed for you to hear them in your home. With that said, you may live close to a siren and hear it indoors, but not everyone should rely on the outdoor warning system when inside.
You can always get weather alerts sent straight to your mobile device via our 4Warn Weather App that will have you covered no matter where you are. Another great indoor resource is a NOAA Weather Radio.