In a recent public service announcement, officials from the City of Tulsa emphasized the importance of being prepared for weather emergencies, particularly during the severe weather season. The announcement detailed the city's outdoor warning sirens, which utilize three distinct tones to alert residents to various threats: a steady tone for tornado warnings, a second sound for nuclear attack alerts, and a third for potential flooding.
Meteorologist Steve Pilz from the National Weather Service in Tulsa highlighted that thunderstorms can occur year-round, but spring is particularly prone to severe weather, including lightning, heavy rain, and tornadoes. He urged residents to remain vigilant during severe thunderstorm watches, as tornadoes can form rapidly and without warning.
To aid the deaf and hard of hearing community, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security offers a free service called Okay WARN. This program sends weather emergency notifications via pager, email, or cell phone to participants who sign up. Residents are encouraged to visit the city’s website for more information and to download the Tulsa Ready app for real-time updates.
Officials reiterated the importance of tuning into local media for updates during severe weather events and stressed that timely action can save lives. For further details on weather safety and alerts, residents can visit the National Weather Service's website.