The City of Ottumwa will resume conducting the monthly outdoor warning systems on Monday March 2, 2020. The siren that is heard is what is sounded in the event of severe weather such as a tornado warning. This test will only be conducted if there is no severe weather in the area. If there is a problem with the siren in your area you’re encouraged to call the Ottumwa Fire Department at 641-683-0667 ext. #4 and let them know what problems were experienced.

Ottumwa’s Outdoor Warning Sirens are sounded to warn people outdoors of confirmed hazardous weather conditions. Siren activation occurs upon report or identification of a tornado, 70 mile-per-hour wind, or golf ball sized hail anywhere within Wapello County. When a siren is sounded, people should take shelter immediately and seek more information through the local media, NOAA Weather Radio and/or the National Weather Service. When the sirens stop, it does not indicate the threat of a hazardous weather has passed. Ottumwa’s Outdoor Warning Sirens are a “take cover” signal and does not sound an “all clear” signal.