Joplin MO Weather Advisory: Understanding the Siren Policy

The National Weather Service has issued a storm system that includes life-threatening winds, with the city of Joplin being in the path. This weather advisory serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the City's siren policy and what kind of weather events trigger the sirens to sound.

In Jasper County, Missouri, Newton County, Missouri, or Cherokee County, Kansas, tornadoes are common occurrences during severe weather events. When a tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service, or a trained spotter reports a tornado sighting, the City's outdoor sirens will be activated to warn citizens of the impending danger.

However, not many people know that the sirens do not only sound for tornado warnings. The City of Joplin has a policy of activating the sirens for any wind event that reaches certain speeds, regardless of its label - tornado, high winds, straight-line winds, or derecho. This means that if there is a severe thunderstorm producing winds of 70 to 80 miles per hour (mph) or greater, the sirens will sound.

The siren policy was established based on the potential for both property damage and threat to lives posed by these types of high-speed wind events. For instance, a severe thunderstorm can produce winds that are comparable to those produced by a low-rated tornado. In fact, an EF0 tornado, which is considered small, can have winds as fast as 65 miles per hour.

Some people may be surprised to learn that the sirens are not only used for tornado warnings but also for high-speed wind events. However, it's essential to understand that high-speed winds can cause significant damage and pose a threat to lives, just like tornados.

To clarify, the City of Joplin sounds its sirens for any high wind event, whether it is caused by a tornado or not. This means that if there is a severe thunderstorm producing strong winds, the sirens will sound as well.

In conclusion, it's crucial to understand the City of Joplin's siren policy and what kind of weather events trigger the sirens to sound. The next time you hear the sirens, remember that they are not just for tornado warnings but also for high-speed wind events that can pose a significant threat to lives and property.

Joplin mo weather advisory