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WEATHER: What it means when sirens sound

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Outdoor warning sirens sounded in some counties Wednesday as severe weather passed through Indiana, leaving some wondering if a tornado was imminent.

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RTV6 Chief Meteorologist Kevin Gregory said counties in Central Indiana all have their own policies when it comes to warning sirens. Some will sound if there is a tornado watch at the same time as severe weather. Others won't.

In Marion County, the criteria for sounding outdoor warning sirens are as follows:

  1. When the determined area in Marion County is under a TORNADO WARNING issued by the National Weather Service.
  2. When a public safety officer (Police, Fire, EMS) reports the sighting of a FUNNEL CLOUD (a rotating column of wind NOT IN CONTACT with the ground) or a TORNADO (a rotating column of wind) IN CONTACT with the ground.
  3. Confirmed reports of IMMINENT DANGER to life safety in Marion County.

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