March 27, 2025
As the summer season approaches the chances of severe weather increases. In Vernon County there are several warning systems which can be activated rapidly during severe weather events, which are monitored closely by Vernon County Emergency Management, the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, and your local police and fire authorities.
The most common warning devices in populated areas of Vernon County are the community sirens. These sirens are activated when conditions exist that there is “imminent danger”, including, but not limited to a tornado sighting. Straight-line winds, microbursts, and downbursts associated with severe thunderstorm activity are equally as dangerous as tornadic activity. They can also be utilized for hazardous materials incidents, flash flooding, or other life safety events.
It is also important to know that community sirens are variable in effectiveness according to wind direction and speed, placement of the siren, and whether someone is inside a building or outside. As a reminder, the outdoor warning sirens are designed only to warn those who are outdoors. Individuals are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive alerts including NIXLE and NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio.
The community sirens need to be tested to make sure that they are working properly. Vernon County Emergency Management will be testing the sirens April through September of each year. This test will be done on the first MONDAY of each month at 11am. There will be one exception for the Monday test, September 1st. For that month the sirens will be tested the following day. If inclement weather is in the area the test will be done the next good weather day. The first day for this will be Monday, April 7.
Furthermore, April 7-11 is Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness week in Wisconsin. On Thursday April 10th at 1:45pm and again at 6:45pm the outdoor weather sirens will be activated as part of the Statewide tornado drill. During these times it is the perfect time for individuals, schools, businesses, and families to practice moving to their designated storm shelter. If severe weather is expected on April 10th the drill will be moved to Friday April 11th.
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