(Cushing)- With the arrival of the spring storm season, Cushing Emergency Management Director Bob Noltsenmeyer has been eager to test the storm sirens. Unfortunately, the storms arrived before he was able to launch a test. That will change this afternoon at 1:10 PM or shortly thereafter, with the first test scheduled. Citizens should be able to clearly hear the sirens which will sound for a few minutes.
Cushing dodged a severe storm which passed over parts of Payne County last night, dropping hail and heavy rains over Stillwater, Glencoe and Yale before moving into Pawnee and Osage Counties. The storm prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Tornado Warning for Logan County before it crossed into Payne County and was downgraded to a Severe Thunderstorm Warning.
When the tornado sirens are activated in Cushing during severe weather, it is a signal to take immediate tornado precautions. There is no actual “all clear” signal given. When a Tornado Warning is canceled or expired, it is announced on KUSH Radio and other media outlets, but the sirens are not sounded again. Every time you hear the sirens sounded, it is a signal to take immediate tornado precautions.
Additionally, area residents should develop plans for tornado shelter in advance of severe weather. In Cushing, there is NO public shelter. Residents are responsible for their own safety during severe weather emergencies.
