Outdoor Warning Sirens & Severe Weather

Outdoor warning sirens prompt anyone outside to seek shelter when there is possible danger from severe weather. If you hear sirens, use a weather radio, tune into your local news channel and/or look at a weather alert app on your phone to get up-to-date weather information.

When do the sirens sound?

Outdoor warning sirens will be automatically activated by the WeatherWarn system when the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a tornado or straight-line wind (>70 miles per hour (mph)) warning in or close to the City of Waukee. Only the cities inside or close to area within the NWS alert will have their sirens activated. Sirens will continue to activate intermittently until the warning has been cancelled.

NOTE: Waukee sirens do NOT have an all-clear sound. If you hear the weather sirens, take cover and look for more information on your local news station or weather app.

Why can I hear a neighboring cities outdoor warning sirens, but Waukee’s are not activated? 
The City of Waukee shares the same outdoor warning siren criteria as our neighboring cities. If southeastern West Des Moines is in the impacted warning area (polygon) and that polygon is not close to Waukee, all of the West Des Moines sirens would activate, but Waukee sirens would not. 

Monthly Test

Outdoor warning sirens are tested on the first Saturday of each month at 12 p.m. (noon). If a severe weather watch or warning is in effect for the Waukee area during the monthly test, the sirens should not be tested that day. Outdoor warning siren tests will resume on the next scheduled monthly date. Testing may be suspended during the winter months (December – February) when ice or sub-zero temperatures could damage the siren system.

Tornado Safety Tips

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) offers these tips for staying safe during a tornado:

  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or television for tornado warnings and instructions.
  • If you hear that a tornado or a storm threatens, seek shelter immediately.
  • If you are in a building, go to the designated shelter, the building's basement, or an interior room, such as a bathroom, or closet.
  • If you are in an automobile, do not try to out-drive a tornado. Abandon your vehicle and seek shelter in a ditch or depression.
  • If you are in a mobile home, leave it for a more substantial structure. You should plan on heading for the storm shelter at the first sign of severe weather. As we all know from countless news stories, mobile home parks are often the scene of numerous deaths or injuries.
  • Protect your head and body from flying debris.