05/18/2026
To the Community of Nora Springs,
It has been brought to my attention that there is some confusion regarding the sounding of the tornado siren during severe weather.
When severe weather is approaching and the Fire Department is requested to go out on storm watch, we position our trained spotters in areas around our community to give us the best vantage points to monitor the approaching weather.
When we are on storm watch we are in constant contact with the National Weather Service, local coordinators and other area storm spotters so we can help provide the most current information to the public that we can.
In accordance with FEMA guidelines, we will sound the siren if the following criteria pose an immediate threat to our community
1. A confirmed siting of a tornado on the ground within 3 miles.
2. A confirmed siting of rotation (tornado that hasn’t reached the ground) within 3 miles.
3. Sustained winds of 65mph or greater.
4. Hail 1.75” (golf ball) or greater.
(Immediate threat meaning anything that is within 3 miles and tracking towards town).
When you hear the siren you need to seek shelter immediately and tune into local radio/TV and listen to the Emergency Alert System for emergency information.
We will keep sounding the siren until threat has passed and then sound it once to signal an all clear.
I hope this helps clear up any confusion and I would like to reassure everybody that the Nora Springs Fire Department will continue to help protect our community in every way we can.
Michael R. Miller
Fire Chief
Nora Springs Fire Department
