By Fred Guarino / The Lowndes Signal

LOWNDES COUNTY — The Lowndes County emergency siren system has been knocked out, thanks to a lightning strike earlier Friday.

This means there will not be any emergency sirens tonight as severe weather continues to roll through the county.

Emergency Management Agency Director Walter Hill reported the operational system for the sirens at the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department in Hayneville was struck by lightning.

He said first responders throughout the county are on standby to warn the public if necessary.

While Hill was not aware of any damage in the county at this time, he said funnel clouds hovered over Fort Deposit and White Hall earlier today.