When Do Outdoor Warning Sirens Sound?
The Illinois Valley Regional Dispatch Center activates outdoor warning sirens in our communities when the National Weather Service issues warnings indicating life-threatening severe weather.
Sirens are activated for:
Tornado Warnings
Confirmed sightings of a tornado reported by trained spotters or law enforcement
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings forecasting straight-line winds 70 mph or greater
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings forecasting golf ball size hail or larger
Important Reminder: Outdoor warning sirens are designed to alert people who are outdoors to move indoors and seek shelter. They are not intended to be heard indoors.
Always have multiple ways to receive warnings, including:
- Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone
- NOAA Weather Radio
- Trusted weather apps and local media
Staying informed and prepared helps keep our communities safe.
In times of severe weather, it's best to have multiple ways of finding out about dangerous storms instead of hoping to hear the sirens from inside your home. You can find out more about the purpose of outdoor warning sirens by clicking here
