Tornado Warning Alert Tests Scheduled
Eddy County Emergency Management, Kristy O’Connor – eddycoem@nd.gov
Eddy County will be testing its new tornado siren system. The system has 6 sirens, most located at new sites to more efficiently cover the entire County population. Tests of the warning system will be activated at 11 a.m. on the first Wednesday of the month starting in June and ending in October.
During the month of June, possible testing may occur on days when severe weather is not a factor.
Siren Activation Procedure
LEC/911 will activate the outdoor warning siren system whenever the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for Eddy County OR a county adjacent to Eddy County AND the direction of the storm path poses a threat to Eddy County. If a tornado warning is subsequently issued for Eddy County, the sirens will again be activated.
If the tornado warning sirens are activated, citizens will hear a 30 second steady alert tone followed by a clear message sounded through the siren system “to please seek shelter”. This will be repeated for 5 minutes. Individuals should immediately seek shelter, such as a basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Once you are in a safe room, check local television and radio broadcasts, or alerts issued by the National Weather Service (NWS).
Tornado Watches and Warnings
Tornado Watch: This means that conditions are favorable for tornado development. This is the time to prepare. You should keep alert by listening to radio, television or weather radio for the latest weather information. Know where your children are. Be aware of where you will go and what you will do if a tornado threatens.
Tornado Warning: This means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. People in the path of the storm should take immediate life saving actions.