Officials Update Storm Siren Policy

Severe Weather

As the National Weather Service continues to update radar and change their criteria for severe storms we need to stay current with the City of Oskaloosa procedures for siren activation. This new policy allows the Mahaska County E-911 Center some flexibility in siren activation if a storm “pops up” suddenly and we do not have spotters in position, or if adequate time will not allow spotters to be placed. This policy will become effective on May 22, 2013 at 12:00 noon.
New Policy:

The Outdoor warning sirens shall be sounded for a:
A. Tornado Warning issued by the National Weather Service and/or
B. Tornado or funnel cloud reported by a trained spotter.
C. Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued by the National Weather Service or a report from a trained spotter that includes:
-Wind 70mph or greater (whole trees blown down) (Additional background at www.spc.ncep.noaa.gov/efscale) and/or golf ball sized hail or larger (1.75 inch diameter or greater)

There will be no all clear signal from outdoor warning sirens. Citizens are expected to be indoors and should monitor local media for additional information.