03/06/2026
🚨 Important Update for St. Louis County Residents
St. Louis County has updated the tornado siren system, and it’s a change everyone should know about.
In the past, when the sirens sounded, they were activated countywide. That meant even if the warning was miles away, everyone heard the same siren. Because of that, many of us got used to hearing it and thinking “it’s probably not near me.”
Now, the system is zoned.
This means tornado sirens will only sound in the specific areas that are actually under a tornado warning. If you hear a siren now, it’s much more likely that the threat is in or very near your area.
What this means for you:
• Don’t assume it’s happening somewhere else
• Take warnings seriously and check a trusted weather source
• Have a plan for where to take shelter in your home
Severe weather season is officially here, and this change is designed to help keep residents safer by making warnings more precise.
Share this with family, friends, and neighbors so everyone understands the update. 🌪️
Did you know St. Louis County’s outdoor warning sirens don’t always sound countywide anymore? 🌪️
As of September 1, 2025, St. Louis County upgraded the outdoor warning siren system to a zone-based activation system. That means sirens no longer sound countywide for every warning.
🌪 What does that mean for you?
📍 Sirens now sound by zone
The County is divided into North, Central, and South zones. If severe weather threatens your zone, the sirens will sound there. If you don’t hear sirens, your area may not be included in the warning.
⚡ Faster, automated alerts
When the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning that intersects a zone, sirens automatically activate in the impacted area.
🎯 More accurate warnings
This targeted approach helps reduce unnecessary siren activations and keeps alerts focused where the actual threat exists.
🔊 Important reminder:
Outdoor warning sirens are designed to alert people who are outside. Always have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, like NOAA Weather Radio, emergency alerts on your phone, or local media.
✔ If you hear a siren — take shelter immediately and seek more information.
📅 Sirens are still tested county wide on the first Monday of each month (weather permitting).
Learn more about the zoned siren system:
https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-government/emergency-communications-commission/new-outdoor-warning-sirens-activation-zones/