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Post by irish on May 6, 2012 6:37:23 GMT -6
So we've had some pretty stormy weather the past few days (I love it!!). I live in West St. Paul, and each time it storms, the sirens go off. The storms that have passed through aren't severe (at least, IMO), they just have heavy rains, and lots of lightning and thunder. Last night another storm rolled through around 2:30 am, and once again the sirens went off. We've never seeked shelter for these storms as it just isn't warranted. I just keep thinking it's like crying wolf...if the sirens go off for every single storm, the one time there really is a tornado, no one is going to seek shelter!! It just bugs me, save the sirens for the real severe weather!
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Post by cakemakermom on May 6, 2012 8:05:42 GMT -6
They only sound the sirens if there really is something severe and it can be for any part of the area, better safe than sorry, but I agree, a little too much "boy that cried wolf". The last time the sirens went off I just walked into the Y and it was still sunny where I was. We still had to be herded to the safe spot, hopefully they'll not take their time herding everyone if there really is a storm, it took them way too long imo to get the kids out of the kid care to the safe spot.
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Post by dara1012 on May 6, 2012 15:07:41 GMT -6
Each county has different criteria. Dakota Cty does them for what feels like any sprinkle....I much prefer Ramsey's system, the only time I have heard it go off it has been severe weather.
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Post by irish on May 6, 2012 15:59:55 GMT -6
Good to know Dara, thanks!
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Post by lilmermaid on May 6, 2012 20:09:26 GMT -6
Yep, some counties have them for every severe thunderstorm warning issued. That to me is excessive, they should only be for tornadoes! IMO
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Post by smalltowngirl5 on May 7, 2012 8:12:29 GMT -6
We usually seek shelter when the sirens go off. DD is afraid of storms and DS gets a little nervous about them, this way they are more comfortable and will usually go back to sleep.
I am personally grateful for the sirens, as we have been through storms with straight line winds and that was scarey for all involved. With alot of damage.
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Post by nevaehsmom327 on May 7, 2012 8:32:16 GMT -6
Yeah...I thought they were for "TORNADO WARNINGS". not severe weather. that stinks they go off so often. i've never heard ours go off. not yet anyway.
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Post by ReneeW on May 7, 2012 9:20:47 GMT -6
I had a similar experience in Carver County. One night I heard the sirens and made everybody get out of bed and dash to the basement, only to later realize it was a severe weather issue, no tornado watches or warnings. I believe that the theory is that it's a sign to take shelter. The problem is that when it's the middle of the night, how do you know the level of danger? You don't want to wait, check the TV/radio if a tornado is on the way and risk the lives of your family members! I guess I'll continue to err on the side of caution and get the kids and zip to the basement ...
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Post by cakemakermom on May 7, 2012 10:58:15 GMT -6
If the weather is sever enough, that can cause damage too, not just tornadoes cause damage. Straight line winds are part of a severe weather warning, if strong enough, it can down power lines and tear roofs off. Hail the size of a baseball are part of severe weather, and I was in WalMart at the time that happened, it came right through the ceiling... I was near both types of severe weather.
As long as it really is a warning and not just a watch, then the sirens going off are the right thing to do. Better be safe than sorry, especially if those sirens go off for more than a minute.
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Post by ReneeW on May 7, 2012 11:22:17 GMT -6
Good point, Cake Maker ... some storms cause tornado-like damage because of the intensity of the storm and are dangerous, even if not a tornado.
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