Mount Vernon will conduct a test of its outdoor warning sirens on Wednesday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Although the plan does not include activating the sirens, there remains a possibility that they might sound.
According to a City of Mount Vernon news release, Bender Communications is scheduled to test the sirens' panels on May 14. The maintenance work may be postponed if there is an increased risk of severe weather. As of Tuesday afternoon, the National Weather Service forecast indicated a 60% chance of showers and possibly thunderstorms on Wednesday between 2 and 8 a.m. The city has six warning sirens strategically placed around Mount Vernon.
The release further states that the warning sirens are typically activated when there is a high risk of tornadoes in and around Mount Vernon, though they are also used in other emergency situations. Ohio experienced a record year for tornadoes in 2024, with 73 confirmed across the state from late February through the end of the year. This surpassed the previous state record set in 1992 when Ohio recorded 62 tornadoes. On average, Ohio experiences about 21 tornadoes annually.
The strongest tornado in Ohio during 2024 reached an EF3 level with wind speeds ranging from 136 to 165 mph, according to the release. It struck Indian Lake, located 148 miles west of Mount Vernon in Logan County, on March 14 and resulted in three fatalities. Tornadoes caused $22 million in property damage across Ohio last year and $150,000 in crop damage. Knox County did not confirm any tornadoes in 2024.
Additionally, summer storms can produce various forms of dangerous weather such as large hail, strong winds, heavy rain, and lightning strikes, which can lead to significant property damage or injury.
If severe weather necessitates postponing Wednesday's siren testing, residents are advised to check Mount Vernon's Facebook page for updates.
