Findlay's outdoor warning sirens fixed; treat sounding as an emergency

FINDLAY — Findlay Police Department has issued an advisory about the potential for severe storms today. Residents are advised to treat the sounding of the city's outdoor warning sirens as an actual emergency. The advisory was issued due to the false sounding of the sirens on Friday evening. Findlay recently replaced eight of 16 sirens with new upgraded systems. The remaining eight sirens are fully operational and scheduled for replacement in the future. Five of the eight newly installed sirens inadvertently activated without cause on Friday. According to the advisory, the system was reset, tested and verified to be operating properly on Tuesday. "We want to emphasize that any activation of the outdoor warning sirens should be treated as an actual emergency. Upon hearing a siren, immediately seek shelter and refer to trusted weather resources for additional information," the advisory states. "Please continue to be diligent by utilizing multiple sources of alerts and updates to stay prepared for any weather event or emergency. The preparedness, safety, and security of our community remain the city's top priorities. Stay safe, Findlay." According to the forecast from the National Weather Service, thunderstorms are likely this afternoon and evening. Some storms may be severe with damaging wind gusts being the primary threat. Other hazards, including large hail and a tornado or two, are also possible. Tornado and thunderstorm warnings are being issued for storms now moving through Illinois and tracking northeast. Severe storms, with wind gusts of 80 mph, are being reported in eastern Ohio this afternoon.