Storm Season

In the United States, "tornado season" is generally in the spring. Tornadoes are more prevalent from April through July, with May and June being the peak months. But like thunderstorms, tornadoes can form any time of the year.

The area in which tornadoes are most prevalent is known as "tornado alley," typically defined the region from Texas north to Nebraska. Tornadoes can and do occur in every state in the country.

Tornado Watch - Conditions are conducive to the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area.

Tornado Warning - A tornado has actually been sighted by spotters or indicated on radar and is occurring or imminent in the warning area. In addition, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes, or cause damage of their own from wind gusts of 58 mph or greater and/or hail 3/4-inch in diameter or larger.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch - Conditions are conducive to the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning - A severe thunderstorm has actually been observed by spotters or indicated on radar, and is occurring or imminent in the warning area.

While tornadoes can still occur without a watch or warning being in effect, advances in the science and technology have greatly increased the ability of meteorologists to provide advance notice of them. We are very lucky to have 19 storm sirens located throughout Elk City just for this purpose.

The City has added three sirens, one at R & R Addition, one at Enterprise & Eastern and one at Lakeview and Randall. The County purchased a siren for the Merritt water tanks. The City installed all the new sirens and maintains the sirens by checking them every Saturday at noon (you have surely heard them), we have a person at every siren when they are being tested to make sure that they are operating properly.

A PUBLIC STORM SHELTER is located at Elk City's EMS office (304 W 5th Street) for use in the event of severe weather. The basement is much larger and will accommodate more people than the existing storm shelter. The basement is also heated and cooled for more comfort for the citizens. If you have a storm shelter/basement, please email your information to us. In the event of a tornado or other severe storm, locations of these shelters will assist emergency personnel in locating you and your family!