For a moment late Monday morning in Washington County, it sounded like severe weather was on the way. It was not.
The tornado sirens at the Washington County Fairgrounds in the Town of Polk sounded in error shortly before the regularly scheduled noon test on Monday, April 27, 2026, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office. The agency said the premature activation was a mistake and offered an apology for any inconvenience or confusion it caused.
Sheriff's Office: Sirens Sounded in Error
In a statement posted on Facebook, the Washington County Sheriff's Office said that "the tornado sirens at the Washington County Fairgrounds in the Town of Polk were sounded in error before the regularly scheduled noon test time today." The post also included a brief apology "for any inconvenience or confusion."
Where It Happened
The mistaken activation came from the Washington County Fair Park & Conference Center, a county facility located along County Highway PV in the Town of Polk. According to Washington County Fair Park, the address is 3000 County Hwy PV, near USH 45 outside West Bend.
Why Sirens Matter and What To Do
Outdoor warning sirens are mainly intended to alert people who are outside to an immediate threat. They are typically activated by local emergency managers for tornado warnings, destructive wind events or scheduled tests, according to the National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service and local emergency managers also caution that sirens have limitations. The sound may not carry well indoors or over long distances, and sirens can behave differently depending on weather, terrain and background noise. Because of that, residents are urged to use multiple ways to receive warnings, including NOAA Weather Radio and official county alerts, to confirm a warning and find shelter.
If you hear a siren outside of an announced test, the guidance remains simple and serious: seek sturdy shelter immediately, then check official sources for details on what kind of weather threat is occurring and how long it is expected to last.
What Comes Next
The sheriff's office did not immediately provide information beyond what appeared in its Facebook post. Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on county communication channels and local media for any follow-up details on the false activation or future test schedules.
