Iroquois County to retest warning sirens next week after sirens fail to sound

WATSEKA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Iroquois County EMA will be retesting all sirens across the county this upcoming Monday after the normal monthly test didn't go as planned.
Coordinator for the county EMA Scott Anderson said in a press release Friday that following the regular monthly test of the warning sirens throughout the county, it was discovered that all the sirens — except for those in Watseka — failed to sound. As a result, all the sirens in the county will be re-tested between 10 a.m. and noon on June 9.
NOAA weather radio stations coming back online after planned outage for NWS upgrades
Additionally, Anderson said all residents need to remember that outdoor warning sirens are designed to be heard by those that are outside, not necessarily inside buildings or homes. He also recommends a number of other sources people can use to receive real-time warnings, including:
NOAA Weather Radio: A national network that broadcasts continuous weather updates from the National Weather Service (NWS).
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): Sent to mobile phones by authorized government agencies such as NWS.
Mobile Weather Apps: These apps provide severe weather alerts and more information.
Local Media: Important sources of official storm watch and warning information.
Emergency Alert System (EAS): This distributes alerts through a number of different media channels.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Newsweek

7 hours ago

• Newsweek

Southern California Warned of Risk for 'Large Life-Threatening Wildfires'

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Portions of Southern California have been warned of a risk posed by "large life-threatening wildfires" amid "unseasonably" strong winds, the National Weather Service (NWS) says. Why It Matters Southern California was battered by concurrent deadly wildfires in January. The Palisades and Eaton Fires scorched thousands of acres, destroyed thousands of buildings and prompted mass evacuations, some lasting weeks. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom came under scrutiny from both sides of the aisle as questions concerning water pressure and access persisted. Bass ultimately removed city Fire Chief Kristin Crowley in February following the deadly blazes. What To Know According to an alert from the NWS, in part, "A late season trough now pushing into California has put an end to the heat from earlier in the week with unseasonably strong northwest to north winds likely across the region through Saturday." The areas that could see the strong winds include portions of Ventura, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara Counties. The mountain regions could see gusts of 30 to 50 miles per hour, the agency adds. Southwest Santa Barbara County from Gaviota to Refugio could see gusts Friday afternoon into the night of 65 miles per hour, the NWS says. Ventura County, the mountains and Antelope Valley foothills of Los Angeles County near the I-5 corridor and the interior mountains of Santa Barbara County could also see gusts into Saturday. "Isolated power outages, downed trees, and an increased risk for large life threatening wildfires will be possible with the strong and potentially damaging winds," the NWS warns. "Widespread Wind Advisories and more focused High Wind Warnings are in place for the areas with the highest confidence in wind impacts. Much weaker winds are anticipated into Sunday for most areas in Breezy northwest to onshore wind gusts of 20 to 40 mph," the alert says. In January, strong winds were top of mind for Los Angeles County officials as the fires spread rapidly, facilitated by the intense gusts. In a March 11 aerial view of Altadena, California, surviving trees and new greenery can be seen following recent rains amid homes destroyed in the Eaton Fire. (Photo by) In a March 11 aerial view of Altadena, California, surviving trees and new greenery can be seen following recent rains amid homes destroyed in the Eaton Fire. (Photo by) What People Are Saying NWS Los Angeles on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday: "Hazardous winds peaking today and Saturday - strongest 2-9pm. Boaters should stay in safe harbor. Drivers, watch for road debris and blowing dust. Isolated power outages and downed trees possible. Elevated risk of grass fires - stay aware of your surroundings. #cawx" NWS Fire and Weather Program Manager David Gomberg told Newsweek Friday: "A low pressure system is kind of unusual to move into the area this late into the season. These are more reminiscent to springtime conditions." Gomberg added, "the winds are in areas where the January wildfires weren't so there is still a lot of vegetation that could burn." What Happens Next The inland areas of Southern California are expected to experience a "warming trend" starting on Sunday. But the warmup will still bring below-normal temperatures, the NWS says.

Newsweek

10 hours ago

• Newsweek

Millions of Americans Warned of 'Dangerous, Life-Threatening' Conditions

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. AccuWeather meteorologists are warning of "dangerous, life-threatening" conditions for millions of Americans as a heat wave is moving across large portions of the U.S. later this week, with temperatures expected to top 100 degrees Fahrenheit across several states. Millions of Americans are expected to face major or extreme heat risks in the coming days, with the National Weather Service projecting over 152 million affected on June 23. Why It Matters Extreme heat is the deadliest weather hazard in the United States, posing serious health risks nationwide. Over 200 people died of heat-related illnesses in the U.S. last year. Since 1979, more than 14,000 Americans have died from heat-related causes, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. A "heat dome" is moving through the U.S., later this week, with millions of Americans across a range of large cities to be impacted. Several extreme heat warnings and heat advisories have been issued across cities and states. The heat wave coincides with the longest days of the year, with Friday marking the summer solstice. What To Know "The highest temperatures so far this year will combine with increasing humidity and intense summer sunshine to create dangerous, life-threatening conditions for roughly 170 million people," AccuWeather meteorologists said about the upcoming heat wave. The NWS predicts that on June 21, 62.5 million will be under major or extreme heat risk, 141 million on June 22, 152 million on June 23, 144 million on June 24 and 105 million by June 25. The NWS Weather Prediction Center similarly warned that "extremely dangerous levels of heat" are likely over the Central and Eastern U.S. These levels "may exacerbate the heat health impacts, especially by midweek," a June 20 message from the center said. The sun rises behind the skyline of midtown Manhattan and the Empire State Building in New York City, a day ahead of the summer solstice and an expected heatwave on June 19, 2025, as seen... The sun rises behind the skyline of midtown Manhattan and the Empire State Building in New York City, a day ahead of the summer solstice and an expected heatwave on June 19, 2025, as seen from Jersey City, New Jersey. More Photo byAreas of particular concern include the Ohio Valley, eastern Great Lakes, interior South and much of the East Coast, according to a warning from the NWS. In addition to record-high temperatures, those regions are expected to "lack overnight cooling," which will "significantly increase the danger." Heat index values—how the temperature feels to the body when humidity is factored in—were expected to reach triple digits in some areas that have Extreme Heat Warning issued by the NWS. Large U.S. cities have begun issuing warnings to residents ahead of the heat wave. In Annapolis, Maryland, officials posted an alert on the city's website and announced the activation of cooling centers "to provide temporary relief from extreme heat conditions and help prevent heat-related illnesses," as temperatures are expected to exceed 100 degrees and may reach 110. What People Are Saying AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said: "Extreme heat is tragically the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in America. There is an amplified risk of heat-related illnesses because this is the first heat wave of the year for millions of people, and their bodies are not yet acclimated to this type of heat and humidity." Ben Noll, a meteorologist for The Washington Post, said on X, Wednesday: "A heat dome will form over central states on Friday before expanding and intensifying. Heat domes are large and strong heat-trapping lids of high atmospheric pressure. This one will last around a week, with numerous temperature records expected to fall." AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said: "It will be exceptionally warm at night with little relief once the sun goes down. Many urban areas may struggle to drop below 80 at night, and that can take a toll on the body without air conditioning." Kevin J. Simmons, Director of the City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management said in a Friday statement: "Heat waves like this one pose a serious risk, especially for our most vulnerable neighbors. We are asking all residents to take this heat seriously. Check on your neighbors, stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity, and know where to go if you need to cool down. Our goal is to keep everyone safe and informed throughout this dangerous weather event." National Weather Service wrote in an X, formerly Twitter, post on Wednesday: "Triple-digit heat indices will be common through next week, with oppressive humidity. Record-breaking heat will be dangerous to those working and playing outdoors so take precautions." What Happens Next The NWS warns, "This level of heat can be hazardous to anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration, especially those engaging in lengthy outdoor activities."

Yahoo

13 hours ago

• Yahoo

NYC could experience first heat wave of the summer: National Weather Service

NEW YORK (PIX11) — Get ready, New York City! Summer and its first heat wave are just around the corner. A heat wave is at least three consecutive days with temperatures of 90 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. More Local News Starting Sunday, temperatures will reach 92, then rise to 95 on Monday. Tuesday will be no better, as the temperature is expected to be 97. Wednesday will mark another day in the 90s. 'Heat waves can occur with or without high humidity. They have the potential to cover a large area, exposing a high number of people to hazardous heat.' NWS For New Yorkers without an air conditioner or a plan to stay cool during the heat wave, the New York City Emergency Management recommends beating the heat by checking out their NYC Cool Options locator. Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.