Did you hear Columbus’ outdoor tornado sirens go off Wednesday morning? Here’s why

Breaking through the crisp Wednesday morning air at around 9, Columbus’ outdoor weather sirens startled some residents.

After all, it’s a beautiful day outside. Why the warning?

It’s part of the annual tornado drill for Severe Weather Awareness Week, Columbus’ emergency management director Chance Corbett said.

The test of the outdoor warning sirens was conducted as part of a statewide tornado drill, which local schools participated in as well. Corbett noted siren tests are not conducted if there’s any potential for severe weather. He said all sirens were in good working order.

Columbus residents should be familiar with the long wail of the siren that signals a tornado warning because it sounds every Saturday at noon, the city’s regular siren test. Some dog owners’ pets howl in unison.

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency devotes each day of its severe weather awareness week to a different topic. Wednesday is tornado drill day.

The others are:

• Monday:Family Preparedness/NOAA Weather Radio Day
• Tuesday: Thunderstorm Safety
• Thursday: Lightning Safety
• Friday: Flood Safety

Details and other safety tips are at gema.ga.gov.