Seeing the tornado may mean it’s too late to take cover.

But if you’ve only just heard the sirens, it’s definitely time to prepare.

It’s difficult to say whether the City of Natchez is watching the twister or simply hearing the warning signs. The warnings may ultimately prove to be false; but one way or the other, it’s time for action.

We all knew the national economic slowdown would trickle into our neck of the woods. We just preferred to refrain from inviting the recession in with our usual wave of Southern hospitality.

No harm there.

But, after the second month in a row of decreased sales tax revenues, it seems Mr. Economy needs no invitation.

The city’s leadership has done plenty of talking about what could be cut.

First, personnel cuts are high on the list. The mayor and department heads said it was the only substantial category left that hadn’t already been trimmed and nipped to death.

But some aldermen have said they’d prefer to cancel some city-paid cell phones and park some city vehicles before cutting jobs.

We’d tend to agree with that logic, but such small cuts may simply not be enough.

Now, some aldermen have said they are willing to take pay cuts before they cut jobs, an idea we’d also support.

Sales tax revenues were down in December and January. It would take a miracle for February to be any better, and March’s success depends on Pilgrimage.

And since the numbers are reported with a two-month delay, sitting and waiting only does harm.

The storm is coming.

It’s time to stop talking about cuts and start making a plan of action.