NATCHEZ — Despite a tornado siren at 2:30 a.m. Monday morning, no tornadoes apparently touched down in Adams County and no major damage was reported.

Adams County Emergency Management Director Robert Bradford Sr. said the National Weather Service sent a warning after radar imagery indicated rotation in the atmosphere. The sirens were then sounded to alert residents.

“Last night we had several warnings, but none (tornadoes) touched the ground,” Bradford said.

For the past few days, Natchez has seen unusually warm and severe weather. One of the main suspects is El Niño, a Pacific Ocean weather event that carries unusually warm temperatures.

“Warm and cold collide and that brings a lot of storm and tornado activity,” Bradford said.

But, as of Monday morning, Bradford said only a few small trees and a power line were reported as being damaged in the recent stretch of bad weather.

“Nothing significant as far as any big structural damage to homes,” Bradford said.

The new 361 shelter was opened up in response to the weather, and admitted one person. Bradford said the person lived in a mobile home, and came in as a precautionary measure.

The shelter, Bradford said, will be opened whenever severe weather is eminent and, even though no tornadoes appeared Monday, people should be prepared.

“All it takes is that one,” he said.

Bradford said residents should have an exit plan in case a tornado or severe weather arises. People who live in mobile homes should know the shelter is located between the Liberty Road ballpark and Natchez High School.

Residents should also know the shelter’s new phone number, 601-445-3525.

Bradford said residents should also pack a bag in case they have to leave due to weather. Phones should also be kept on during storms so residents can be contacted and receive warnings.

To receive updates on the weather, residents can listen to a weather radio or for alerts from the CodeRed weather application. Residents can sign up for the app by visiting the Adams County website, adamscountyms.net.

“Never assume that it would never happen in Natchez,” Bradford said. “We always have to be prepared.”