PembinaValleyOnline has learned why the severe weather siren in Altona went off around 2 p.m. this afternoon.

Fire chief, Greg Zimmerman, explains the siren had not been working for the last week, and today officials made repairs to the system.

A short test of the manual switches was conducted, which is why some may have heard a short blip. Then a remote test of the system was conducted, which worked, but set off the siren for longer than expected. Zimmerman says they had to disconnect it from the power in order to shut it off.

He notes the siren is now working properly.

In an email to residents, the Town of Altona reiterated that this afternoon's siren was only a test. 

In the event of an emergency, it says the siren will be sounded for four minutes, at which point residents should seek shelter and tune in to CFAM 950 for more information.

The Town apologizes for the inconvenience.