The Pella Police Department will conduct a test of the outdoor warning system today at noon. The monthly test will not be completed during the Tulip Time festivities on Saturday, May 4.

The following are the criteria for activating the outdoor warning system:
• A tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service
• Actual sighting of a tornado by a trained spotter
• A severe thunderstorm warning issued by the National Weather Service AND winds of 70 mph or greater forecast AND/OR golf ball or larger size hail forecast

There is no all clear signal and there are businesses and other entities within the community that shelter in place for severe weather other than the criteria listed above.