Why are sirens going off in Oklahoma City today? Tornado tests may occur before WCWS games Saturday

When fans start to arrive for UCLA and Oklahoma softball’s winner’s bracket Women’s College World Series game on Saturday, they might hear an alarming noise.

Patrons traveling from other areas might not be familiar with the echoing tornado sirens that go off each Saturday in Oklahoma City. But there’s no reason to fret, at least for a certain part of the day.

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Oklahoma City tests its tornado sirens every Saturday at 12 p.m., unless there’s already inclement weather to be expected. The noise can be quite jarring, especially if there’s clear skies and sun.

Here’s everything to know about Oklahoma City’s tornado sirens, which will likely be heard by many on their way to Devon Park on Saturday:

Why are sirens going off in Oklahoma City today?

Oklahoma City tests its tornado sirens nearly every Saturday at 12 p.m., unless there’s incoming inclement weather, according to the city’s website.

The reasoning is simple: Oklahoma is subject to some of the most dangerous and often tornadoes in the United States, making it important for sirens to work effectively in the event of severe weather.

Oklahoma City has 182 tornado sirens in its area, all of which will echo together for a few minutes during each Saturday’s testing run.

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What time are tornado sirens in Oklahoma City?

The tornado siren tests are always at 12 p.m. on Saturdays in Oklahoma City.

There are no softball games scheduled for noon on Saturday, but patrons in Oklahoma City’s vicinity will likely hear the sirens on their way to Devon Park for the WCWS.

Women’s College World Series weather

Unfortunately for many, weather does not stop even though college softball’s top destination is underway.

Each year, it’s typical for numerous weather delays to halt play at the Women’s College World Series, and 2024 has been no exception.

Play was delayed on the opening day of the tournament Thursday, as Alabama and UCLA’s game started around half-an-hour late due to lightning being in the area.

On Saturday and Sunday, however, things might be looking up in terms of weather, as there’s a 20% chance for thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.

WCWS schedule Saturday

Here’s the WCWS schedule for Saturday in Oklahoma City:

• No. 2 Oklahoma vs. No. 6 UCLA | 2 p.m. CT | ABC
• No. 4 Florida vs. No. 1 Texas | 6 p.m. CT | ESPN