Severe Weather Message from Jo Co Emergency Management
4/28/2026
Partners and Colleagues –
It’s been a fairly active Spring Severe Weather Season, and as happens every year, we’ve seen questions and comments about alerts and warnings. As responders and weather partners, we all understand that Outdoor Warning Sirens are designed for one purpose: to alert people who are outdoors to go indoors and seek more information. (They do not produce distinct tones for the different storms, nor do we activate or signal for the all clear.) In regards to severe weather, Johnson County activates the Outdoor Warning Sirens for Tornadoes and Severe Thunderstorms with 70 MPH wind or golf ball sized hail (1.75” diameter). https://www.weather.gov/media/pbz/skywarn/Hail_Chart.pdf
Once indoors, residents should use multiple reliable alerting methods—TV, radio, NOAA Weather Radio, smartphone apps, and other trusted systems—to stay informed and take protective action. Sirens are just one tool in a much larger warning system, and they’re not intended to be heard inside every home or building.
Because of this, we’re taking the opportunity to remind everyone about the tools available to receive timely and reliable alerts. The JoCo Ready app provides quick access to local information, preparedness resources, and ways to stay connected during emergencies utilizing push notification alerting direct to your cell phone.
Likewise, Alert Iowa (also known locally as JCENS) remains an important part of our countywide alerting system. Residents can sign up to receive location‑based warnings by text, phone call, or email. These alerts are designed to reach you wherever you are — especially during overnight storms when sirens may not be heard indoors.
Having multiple ways to receive warnings is the best way to stay safe during severe weather. Sirens are one tool, but apps and direct notifications ensure you get the information you need, when you need it. Any help in sharing this general message to your employees or the public you serve would be much appreciated.
The links for both JoCo Ready and Alert Iowa are below.
https://apps.myocv.com/share/a152650324
http://www.jecc-ema.org/jecc/jeccalertiowa.php
Stay #WeatherAware, Stay Safe, and thanks to everyone for helping keep our community informed and better prepared!
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Travis Beckman, IACEM | CHEC | HAZ-T and Emergency Management Agency 4529 Melrose Ave | Iowa City, Iowa 52246 |
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