City of Joplin updates storm siren policy

(From the City of Joplin)

The City of Joplin has updated its official outdoor warning siren activation policy. The change has been made to ensure the most proactive approach and prioritize the safety of the citizens of Joplin during severe thunderstorms which the NWS labels with a “tornado possible” tag.

The updated policy is intended to provide clearer activation criteria, reduce unnecessary activations outside the threat area, and improve public confidence in the outdoor warning system. Previously, storm sirens in Joplin were not activated when the National Weather Service issued a thunderstorm warning with a “possible tornado” tag. But because such weather events can rapidly turn into a tornado, as was the case in Joplin on April 24, 2026, the policy has been updated. 

 

Fire Chief Gerald Ezell said, “We have communicated with the Springfield office of the NWS, which is responsible for issuing tornado warnings for the Joplin area, regarding our desire to see a tornado warning issued whenever they believe there may be a tornado-like rotation on radar in our area, because adding a ‘tornado tag’ does not trigger alerts on mobile devices, nor do most cities trigger tornado sirens due to a ‘tornado tag.’ The City strongly believes that the best way to protect life and property in Joplin is for the NWS to issue a tornado warning whenever rotation is indicated over Joplin on radar. However, in the interest of protecting the people of Joplin, this policy change is warranted as we adapt to the National Weather Service’s practice of adding ‘tornado possible’ tags when they spot possible areas of rotation embedded within severe thunderstorms.”

The policy revision is intended to improve consistency in emergency notification procedures while ensuring timely public warning for severe weather threats that directly impact the City of Joplin. 

 

Under the revised policy, storm sirens shall be activated when the following conditions are met:

The National Weather Service issues a tornado warning, a severe thunderstorm warning with a “possible tornado” tag, ora trained storm spotter reports a tornado:


In Jasper County, Mo.; Newton County, Mo.; or Cherokee County, Kan.; and
The projected tornado path includes the City of Joplin

Or,the National Weather Servicereportsa storm system producing life-threatening winds of 75 miles per hour or greater, and the projected storm path includes the City of Joplin.

For more information about the policy implementation or operational procedures, contact Dave Holden, City of Joplin/Jasper County Emergency Management Coordinator, at (417) 624-0820 ext. 1260.