Siren Sounds: Brunswick, Ohio's Tornado Warning

If you hear tornado sirens in Brunswick, Ohio, it's likely because there is a tornado warning. Tornado sirens are used to alert residents outdoors when a tornado warning has been issued by the National Weather Service, a funnel cloud has been reported by a credible source, or a chemical emergency has occurred and a shelter-in-place order has been issued. In Brunswick, these sirens are scattered throughout strategic locations and are only used in the event of a tornado. While there was no tornado warning when an EF1 tornado hit Brunswick in 2014, damaging 45 homes and businesses, it's important to take cover and seek shelter when you hear the sirens to ensure your safety.

The tornado siren is a warning system for residents who are outdoors

Outdoor warning sirens are used to alert residents who are outdoors when a tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service, a funnel cloud is reported by a credible source, or a chemical emergency has occurred, resulting in a shelter-in-place order. These sirens are not intended to alert people who are indoors. If you are indoors, it is recommended to have a NOAA All-Hazard Radio that will automatically activate during severe weather and hazardous events.

When you hear the outdoor warning sirens, you should take immediate action by seeking shelter indoors, tuning into a NOAA All-Hazards Radio, local radio, and/or local television for more information, and then taking the appropriate safety measures. It is important to follow your emergency and sheltering plans and stay updated through text and email alerts provided by the National Weather Service and other major media outlets.

It is worth noting that these sirens may also be sounded during tests or drills, such as during Severe Weather Awareness Week, to ensure the system is functioning properly and to familiarize residents with the sound. Regular testing is conducted to prepare residents for potential tornado warnings.

The sirens are tested monthly to familiarise residents with the sound

The tornado sirens in Brunswick, Ohio, are tested monthly to familiarise residents with the sound and to ensure the sirens are functioning properly. Testing is usually performed on the first Saturday of each month at noon. However, if severe weather is forecast or observed in the area, the test will be postponed to the following month to avoid confusion.

The monthly tests are essential to ensure that the tornado warning sirens are operational and ready to alert residents of impending danger. These sirens are strategically scattered throughout Brunswick and Brunswick Hills Township and serve as an additional warning system beyond the primary alert system, CodeRED.

During the monthly tests, residents of Brunswick can familiarise themselves with the sound of the tornado sirens. This helps to ensure that they can recognise the distinct sound of the sirens when they are used in the event of an actual tornado. By conducting these tests, the city of Brunswick aims to improve tornado preparedness and keep its residents safe.

In addition to the monthly tests, the sirens may also be tested for maintenance purposes at other times. These maintenance tests may include a voice message indicating that it is a test, ensuring that residents are not alarmed by the sound of the sirens outside of the scheduled monthly test.

Beyond the regular monthly tests and maintenance checks, there are also statewide tornado drills and tests conducted annually during Severe Weather Awareness Week in March. During this week, all Ohioans are encouraged to participate in tornado drills and review their emergency plans to enhance their preparedness for severe weather events.

In 2014, a tornado hit Brunswick without a warning being issued

In the city of Brunswick, Ohio, tornado warning sirens are placed in strategic locations throughout the city and are used only in the event of a tornado. These sirens are an additional warning system beyond the city's primary alert system, CodeRED.

On June 23, 2014, an EF1 tornado tore through Brunswick, damaging at least 45 homes and businesses, according to the National Weather Service's Cleveland office. No injuries were reported. This tornado struck without a warning being issued, and there are several reasons why this may have occurred.

The day's forecast did not indicate a high risk of tornadoes. The large-scale setup was favorable for thunderstorms, but not necessarily supercell thunderstorms, which are more likely to produce tornadoes. Wind shear, an important factor in sustaining supercell thunderstorms, was unremarkable. The Storm Prediction Center's forecast only depicted a small risk of large hail or damaging winds, and the TOR:CON tornado potential index was "2 or less," indicating a low chance of a tornado.

As a result, no severe thunderstorm or tornado watch was issued, as forecasters believed that any thunderstorms would produce strong winds or hail, but not an organized area of hail or wind damage. However, a combination of factors, including a lake-breeze boundary and thunderstorm outflow boundaries, created the conditions for a tornado to form.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 6:54 p.m. ET, and less than two minutes later, the Brunswick tornado began to form. The tornado lasted only five minutes, from 6:55 to 7:00 p.m. The short duration and lack of a classic hook echo in radar signatures made it challenging for forecasters to detect and issue a warning in time.

The probability of detection for non-supercell tornadoes, such as the one that occurred in Brunswick, is lower compared to supercell tornadoes. A study found that the probability of detection for non-supercell tornadoes was only 46%, while it was 85% for supercell tornadoes. This highlights the inherent challenges in forecasting and issuing warnings for all tornadoes.

The National Weather Service issues tornado warnings when credible sources report them

The National Weather Service has three key alerts related to tornadoes: Tornado Watch, Tornado Warning, and Tornado Emergency. A Tornado Watch is issued when tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area, indicating that conditions are favorable for tornado formation. During a Tornado Watch, it is important to review emergency plans, take inventory of supplies, and be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued.

A Tornado Warning, on the other hand, is a higher alert level and is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar, posing an imminent danger to life and property. When a Tornado Warning is issued, individuals are advised to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, avoiding windows. If outdoors or in a mobile home, it is crucial to move to the closest substantial shelter to protect against flying debris.

The highest alert level is a Tornado Emergency, which is declared when a violent tornado has touched down in the watch area, posing a severe threat to human life and property. In such cases, individuals should immediately seek refuge in the safest location possible and monitor local forecasts for updates.

While tornado sirens are meant to alert those who are outdoors, it is important to note that they are not intended to be solely relied on as a method of receiving warnings. Residents are advised to use multiple sources of information, such as local broadcast media, weather radio, weather apps, and SMS notifications, to stay informed about tornado warnings and updated storm information.

Ohio has a Severe Weather Awareness Week, during which sirens are tested

During this week, there is a focus on tornado preparedness, with a statewide tornado drill taking place on one of the days during the week. In 2024, this took place on Wednesday, March 19, at 9:50 a.m. The drill is an opportunity for Ohioans to review and practice their emergency plans and sheltering options. It is also a chance for counties, businesses, schools, and households to test their outdoor warning sirens and emergency protocols.

The National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provide resources and safety guides on topics such as tornado safety, flooding, lightning, and understanding watches and warnings. The Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (OCSWA) also offers information on severe weather safety and preparedness, as well as the differences between storm watches and warnings.

In addition to tornado preparedness, Severe Weather Awareness Week in Ohio is a time for residents to prepare for other spring and summer weather hazards, such as thunderstorms, floods, and snowstorms. It is recommended that families, schools, and businesses update their safety plans, practice drills, and replenish their emergency supply kits with items like disposable face masks, hand sanitiser, and disinfecting wipes.

The City of Brunswick, Ohio, also conducts regular monthly tests of its tornado warning sirens on the first Saturday of every month at noon. These tests are separate from the statewide tornado drill during Severe Weather Awareness Week and are specific to the strategic locations in Brunswick and Brunswick Hills Township.

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