False Tornado Warning

I can't stand false alarms. Whether it is a fake tornado report, exaggerated severe weather report, faulty tornado siren, trigger-happy official on the tornado siren button, or a new one today... false tornado warning on a mobile phone. Not just a few mobile phones, but most newer smartphones using a specific mobile phone service provider in the state of Arkansas!

As I type this, nobody is wanting to take the blame for what happened. FEMA says it was not them, a guy at the Mobile Phone Company is blaming FEMA, NWS says it was not them, and I'll join in and say it was not our fault either.

During severe weather, I appreciate SOLID information. 30 seconds before I went on air, every Verizon smartphone in the studio and control room went off and said the above statement. There was no location given or specific information.

While I was trying to show everyone where it was raining and what we can expect over the next 7 days, I was wondering what in the world was happening. On one hand, I saw nothing on radar that would warrant a tornado warning. On the other hand, I was afraid that I was missing something and lives were at risk. It was a very uncomfortable feeling. Looking back, I'm glad it was nothing.

The storms are starting to move out, so let's all sleep well tonight.

-Ryan