Outdoor Warning Sirens

An Outdoor Warning Siren (OWS) system consists of sirens designed to alert citizens of approaching or existing hazardous conditions, which will require immediate protective actions to save lives. Traditionally, these systems have been referred to as “tornado sirens,” but the term does not acknowledge all applications for activating sirens.

The City of Weatherford has ten (10) strategically placed sirens covering most areas of the city limits. The sirens may be heard indoors; however, their primary purpose is to alert those outside to move indoors and seek further information from the various information sources available to them. Don’t solely rely on the sirens to warn you. Have multiple ways to receive alerts such as NOAA radio, cell phone apps, and our Urgent Notification Systems such as Weatherford Alert. Once inside and safe, turn on your NOAA weather radio, TV, radio, or other news source, or official social media profiles for more information and instructions.


OWS Activation Criteria

The Outdoor Warning Sirens may be activated for the following events.

• Tornado Warning issued by the National Weather Service for areas in and around the City of Weatherford.

• The National Weather Service issues a Severe Storm Warning with sustained winds in excess of 70 mph for areas in and around the City of Weatherford.

• Trained storm spotters have reported a tornado in the City of Weatherford, or in a neighboring jurisdiction with the potential to affect the City of Weatherford.

• Reported hail of 1.5" in diameter or greater (size may be adjusted for areas or events where large numbers of people are outdoors).

• Shelter-in-Place Warning for large hazardous material spill, release, or burning hazardous substance at a fixed facility or along transportation routes.


OWS Testing

An Outdoor Warning Siren Loud Test will be conducted the first Wednesday of each month (weather permitting) at 1:00 pm in conjunction with the other local and metroplex jurisdictions who test at the same time.

The test will consist of a solid tone being sounded for 1 minute then silence. All 10 of the sirens will be tested at the same time.

If we are experiencing mostly cloudy skies, rain, or the threat of severe storms surrounding the test time, the monthly test will be cancelled. This helps ensure that there is no confusion about if it's a test or a real activation.


What to Do When the Sirens Activate for a Warning

Move indoors and seek additional information. This can be on NOAA weather radio, TV, radio, other official news source or official social media source.

If you are in a building, go to the center of a small interior room or interior hallway on the lowest level, away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Avoid large rooms with large span roofs (gymnasiums, cafeterias). If in a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible away from windows.

If you are in a manufactured or mobile home, get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a pre-identified nearby building or storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. It is important to identify a sturdy shelter you can get to quickly as part of your severe weather plan.

If you are caught outside with no shelter, make every effort to get to a safe shelter. If this is not possible, your best course of action is to lie in a low spot or ditch and cover your head with your hands. It is not advisable to get under a bridge or overpass.

For additional information and education, visit KnowWhat2Do.

For indoor warning we suggest purchasing a NOAA All Hazards Radio. NOAA Weather Radio is like a smoke alarm for severe weather, when a warning is issued in your area the radio will alert you and give detailed information for appropriate action. NOAA Weather Radios can be purchased at a retail store near you, for more information about go to: www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/