With concerns for tornadoes increasing as August goes along, it’s important to remind area residents on the outdoor emergency warning siren procedure.
As per what is posted on the City of Vandalia’s website, warning sirens are sounded with an even tone for approximately two minutes.
Additionally, when the National Weather Service issues a Tornado Warning for Audrain County; weather spotters will be sent to pre-designated locations to physically watch for funnel clouds. Personnel in the dispatch center will constantly monitor the MULES computer system for weather condition updates and also the local weather on television and radio until such time as the national Weather Service cancels the Tornado Warning for Audrain County. If a funnel cloud is spotted by one of the weather spotters or if the weather service advises there is a funnel cloud in the immediate area of Vandalia, the sirens will be sounded with a wailing tone for approximately 10 minutes. There will be no voice message.
Tornado Watch
• Means that conditions are favorable for producing a particular weather event, but that it has not formed yet. Watches alert the public that they need to pay closer attention than usual to the weather, just to be safe. A tornado watch is issued when atmospheric conditions could cause tornadoes to form, although none have formed yet. Sirens not sounded.
Tornado Warning
• Means that a particular weather event has formed and that it threatens the area under the warning. A tornado warning means that a tornado is actually present and moving in the warned vicinity. Residents should take immediate shelter in a tornado warning. Sirens sounded in an even tone.
Funnel Cloud
• Means that a funnel cloud has been sighted by one of the weather spotters or the weather service advises there is a funnel cloud in the immediate area of Vandalia. Sirens sounded with wailing tone no voice message. Resident should take immediate shelter.