[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Outdoor Warning Sirens Sounded MAY 25, 2011 at Approximately 1:49 p.m.

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Zim Schwartze, Emergency Management Director
(573) 874-7400

Outdoor Warning Sirens Sounded MAY 25, 2011 at Approximately 1:49 p.m.

COLUMBIA, MO (May 25, 2011) - The local Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) activated the outdoor warning sirens across the county today at approximately 1:49 p.m.  This activation was the result of numerous calls from Weather Spotters, public safety personnel, and citizens with information about funnel clouds with possible rotation.  The National Weather Service was unable to advise seeing anything on their radar about our conditions at that time.  There were numerous weather systems moving towards the entire Boone County area from all adjoining counties.  Many counties to the west and south of us were under a tornado warning. 

Public Safety Joint Communications personnel were closely monitoring the storms.  We activated the Weather Monitors at 1:02 p.m. which alerts public safety agencies, schools, hospitals, and media.  Due to the increase of calls and information, we activated the outdoor warning sirens at 1:49 p.m.  The Joint Communications Operations Center fielded numerous calls from citizens during this time.

We have not received any reports of damage in our area.  According to the National Weather Service, there were tornadoes reported to have touched down in Sedalia and Montgomery County.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to these communities. 

The Boone County area is now under a Flash Flood Warning until 8:30 p.m. 

We encourage everyone to continue to monitor their local media and NOAA weather radios for further information.  As a reminder, sirens are not sounded a second time to indicate an 'all clear' but will only sound again when a new threat is issued.  We cannot emphasize enough that citizens should make it their responsibility to keep informed of the current weather conditions affecting our area and to have a plan of action in place for severe weather.


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