Lightning damages Jefferson City outdoor warning sirens

Officials in the capital city say two outdoor warning sirens are inoperable following a September thunderstorm.

Capt. Doug Shoemaker said the Jefferson City Emergency Operations Center tested the sirens in the city and Cole County on Oct. 3 and discovered two failed to sound.

The sirens were inspected and had damage consistent with a lightning strike. Officials believe a thunderstorm on Sept. 8, three days after the monthly test, caused the damage.

The two sirens are both located in Jefferson City: One is on Militia Drive and the other is next to the new fire station on Highway 179.

It is not known how long the sirens will be out of service.