Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has received questions regarding the activation of outdoor warning sirens during the severe weather event on Sunday, March 15, 2026, which ultimately produced 5 EF-1 tornadoes impacting portions of Nokomis, Witt, Irving, and other areas of Montgomery County, Illinois.
At no time during the event was Montgomery County under a Tornado Warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). Additionally, there were no confirmed real-time reports of a tornado, funnel cloud, or rotational activity, nor were there verified reports of hail reaching two inches in diameter or wind speeds exceeding 75 miles per hour. Under current county protocol, any of these conditions would have resulted in the activation of outdoor warning sirens.
Outdoor warning sirens are designed to alert individuals who are outdoors of imminent severe weather threats, typically when a Tornado Warning is issued or when credible, confirmed reports of dangerous conditions are received. Based on the information available at the time—including radar data, trained weather spotter input, and observed conditions—criteria for siren activation were not met.
Following the storm, damage assessments, storm path analysis, and a more detailed review of radar data conducted by the National Weather Service determined that an EF-1 tornado had occurred. The NWS is continuing to evaluate this event to better understand why the tornado was not identified through radar or other indicators in real time.
Montgomery County EMA understands the concern this situation has raised among residents in Nokomis, Witt, Irving, and surrounding communities. We remain committed to working closely with the National Weather Service and our local partners to ensure the most accurate and timely warning information possible.
Residents are reminded to utilize multiple methods for receiving weather alerts, including, mobile alerting systems, and trusted media sources, as outdoor warning sirens are only one part of a comprehensive warning system.
For additional information, please contact Montgomery County EMA at the number or email listed above.
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