What Do Those Alert Sirens Mean?

Right after I was elected back in 2001 there was a tornado alert with the sirens going off. The next day a neighbor kid asked me what the sirens noises meant! I did not know sad to say! So I found out. I also told the kid as well.

Long time reader Kurt Rodwald tipped me off to the idea about this post and told me that this week is the start of National Severe Weather Awareness Week sponsored by the National Weather Service. Follow that link for some great tips and safety ideas, I must say I learned quite a bit just now when I was on the web page.

So here are the sounds you will hear and what they mean.

Tornado Alert:
Long, steady tone that warns of weather conditions that are favorable for severe weather or a tornado.
Take Cover Alert:
Oscillating tone that warns of a tornado sighting. Residents should take immediate shelter.