Severe Storms Trigger Sirens – And Some Confusion

Severe thunderstorms moved through Shakopee Sunday night, prompting warning sirens – and some confusion.

sent out a tweet at the time asking if anyone knew "info detailing when/why Scott County uses emergency sirens."

The  it was due to a forecast of 70 mph straightline winds.

Local weather enthusiast Ryan Schwartz himself was confused and although he believes 70 mph winds warrant the sirens, he argues this week in a blog post that siren usage policy needs to change. Currently, policies vary from county to county.

Scott County Emergency Management Director Chris Weldon told Patch Wednesday that outdoor warning sirens are meant to alert people outside to head indoors to find out more information, whether it's online, on television or by radio. A hazardous materials release or accident could also trigger sirens, he added. 

The following is what Scott County uses for siren activation guidelines:

For Tornado Warnings – if city is mentioned in tornado warning or the city is located within that National Weather Service (NWS) polygon the sirens will be activated.

• Police chief or patrol officers, fire chief or firefighters in the field can also request sirens be activated for their jurisdiction if they see rotation or feel it’s necessary based on conditions.

For Severe Thunderstorm Warnings – if a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued;

• If wind speeds of 70 mph or greater are included in the warning, sirens for those jurisdictions included in the warning area will be activated. Departure from this will depend on reports received from spotters or information received from the National Weather Service.
• Police chief or patrol officers, fire chief or firefighters in the field can also request sirens be activated for their jurisdiction if they see rotation or feel it’s necessary based on conditions.

Dakota County reportedly uses sirens any time there's a severe thunderstorm warning and Schwartz's informal Twitter poll found many who are unhappy with that. His solution? Sound sirens only in cases of severe thunderstorms with winds of 70 mph or greater, and, for tornado warnings.

So, should the state have a uniform policy? What do you think? Tell us in the poll and in comments.

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