Dateline: June 16, 2005

Storm sirens warn citizens of dangers

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Donley County Sheriff Butch Blackburn is reminding citizens that warning sirens mean “take cover” and do not mean “go outside and watch the clouds” after severe weather threatened Clarendon last Thursday.

“I would like for citizens of Donley County to please heed the warnings and take cover for their safety,” Blackburn said.

Several long whistles signify a tornado warning, and a continuous blast means danger is eminent.

Emergency officials blew sirens in Clarendon repeatedly when a rotating storm cloud passed over the city. A funnel formed as the cloud passed the northeast edge of city, and a tornado touched down in the countryside.

Blackburn said there had been no reports of damage from the tornado. Emergency crews were back out again Saturday as a slow moving cloud produced funnel clouds, high wind, hail, and heavy rain near Wayside in Armstrong County.

“We had lots of cooperation from the fire departments in Clarendon, Hedley, and Howardwick,” Blackburn said. “There are people out there giving their time and leaving their families for the safety of others, and they aren’t getting paid for it like we are.”