From the Associated Press: Many Joplin, Mo., residents either ignored or were slow to react to the first warning sirens about a massive and deadly tornado this spring, partially because of years of false alarms, according to a study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Another key finding was that after the intensity of the storm was clear, the resulting warnings "lacked enhanced wording to accurately portray that immediate action was necessary to save lives with this tornado."

The National Weather Service was overall well-prepared and "performed in an exemplary manner" during the storm, NOAA said, adding that combined efforts from the weather service, emergency management and the public "saved many lives."
But the report said "the vast majority of Joplin residents" didn't respond to the first siren because of an apparent widespread disregard for tornado sirens.

"Relationships between false alarms, public complacency, and warning credibility are highly complex," the report stated. Read the entire article here.