COLUMBIA, MO (March 4, 2011) -

The local Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) activated the outdoor warning sirens across the county today at approximately 3:35 p.m. This activation was the result of the National Weather Service issuing a tornado warning for the southern portion of Boone County. At this time, we have reports of minimal damage to roofs and trees over the roadway near Ashland. Prior to this tornado warning, the northern portion of Boone County was experiencing severe thunderstorms, hail and high winds. The damage at this time includes utility poles over N. Highway 124. 

We encourage everyone to continue to monitor their local media and NOAA weather radios for further information. As a reminder, sirens are not sounded a second time to indicate an “all clear.” We cannot emphasize enough that citizens should make it their responsibility to keep informed of the current weather conditions affecting our area.