If you hear the tornado siren on Wednesday, March 11, it’s not a test.
Franklin County has canceled the weekly tornado siren test due to the chance of severe weather in our area. In an effort to combat confusion, the Outdoor Warning Siren System test that typically occurs each Wednesday at noon will not sound.
Instead, residents are being instructed that any tornado siren heard on Wednesday will be an actual safety warning from the National Weather Service or local emergency management. If a siren sounds, residents should follow tornado safety procedures immediately, such as moving to the lowest level of a building and taking shelter in an interior room away from windows.
The cancellation comes as forecasters monitor the potential for strong to severe storms across central Ohio on Wednesday.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed the region under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe weather, which means scattered severe storms are possible.
According to the latest Hazardous Weather Outlook, a round of scattered thunderstorms could develop late tonight into the predawn hours Wednesday, with large hail as the primary threat. Isolated strong to damaging wind gusts may also occur with these overnight storms.
Another round of storms could develop later Wednesday, particularly during the afternoon and early evening hours. During this period, storms may become strong to severe with damaging winds as the main threat, though large hail and a few isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out.
While it is still too early to know exactly where storms will form, residents are encouraged to stay weather aware throughout the day Wednesday.
Officials also remind residents that outdoor warning sirens are designed to alert people who are outside, and they should not be relied upon as the only way to receive warnings indoors. Weather alerts on smartphones, NOAA Weather Radios, and local media updates are recommended as additional ways to stay informed.
Looking ahead, windy conditions are also expected later in the week. Forecasts indicate wind gusts around 40 to 45 mph are likely on Friday, particularly during the morning and afternoon hours.
For more info about the potential storm threat, head over to weather.gov or follow the National Weather Service on social media.
