DPS: Alert system works

SIKESTON -- Despite what some CodeRED subscribers may believe, the system was carried out as designed during Wednesday's early morning storms.

The city and Department of Public Safety fielded some concerns regarding the timing of the call through the city's emergency notification system throughout the day Wednesday, according to Chief Drew Juden. The warning call was initiated at 4:57 a.m., and notified 6,000 contacts by 5:07 a.m., he said.

Initially, the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning at 4:33 a.m. for the area, set to expire at 4:45 a.m., said Juden.

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