Todd County Emergency Management Director Ash Groves is highlighting how severe weather warnings reach you.
It begins with the National Weather Service, which uses advanced radar and storm spotters to issue warnings for specific “polygon” areas. Because these zones are irregular, some sirens or phone alerts may trigger while others nearby do not, which is why officials urge residents to have multiple ways to receive information.
Warnings are distributed through the federal IPAWS system, sending Wireless Emergency Alerts directly to mobile phones with no sign-up required. Locally, Todd County uses Table Rock Alerting Systems, which are currently automated to trigger immediately based on National Weather Service data.
To ensure system readiness, monthly countywide siren testing begins Saturday, April 4, at 12:00 PM. These tests will occur on the first Saturday of every month at noon for approximately three minutes. No action is required during these tests.
Residents are reminded that outdoor sirens are primarily for those outside and may not be heard indoors. Officials recommend using a combination of mobile notifications and weather radios to stay safe. For more information, contact Todd County Emergency Management.
