No Need for Alarm -- Sirens are Being Tested Today

If you hear tornado sirens this morning at 9:50 a.m., there's no need for alarm -- it's just part of today's 2012 Statewide Tornado Drill.

The test consists of sirens on for three minutes, then three minutes silent. This cycle will occur four times. The drill is dependent on the weather forecast recommendation of the National Weather Service (NWS).

John Bedford, Strongsville's director of communication and technology, said the city will participate in the test. 

Strongsville last year : Ehrnfelt Baseball Diamonds on Royalton Road; Volunteer Park on Lunn Road; the Youth Sports Park on Lunn Road; Surrarrer Park at Whitney and Webster roads; Nichols Field on the corner of Marks and Sprague roads and Recreation Park 3 at Drake and Prospect. Two systems are to be installed at Foltz Park.

The cost was $2,600 per .

Bedford said some residents who live near the parks may hear the sirens today, but Strongsville's system is not designed for a citywide alert. 

Instead, the sirens were erected as a way to warn people who are outside at the city's parks if severe weather is approaching.

For additional information on the drill and Severe Weather Awareness Week, see the Ohio Committee on Severe Weather Awareness.