New storm warning system provides more accurate alerts | News

GADSDEN, AL (WBRC)- Etowah County is joining other east Alabama counties in switching to a new storm warning system.

It's called "Weather Warn," and it's known for its geographic accuracy which means no more countywide warnings.

The "Weather Warn" system started Friday and it sends tornado warnings straight to the immediate areas.

Anytime the National Weather Service issues a polygon for a tornado, in our county, this system will automatically pick up siren addresses that are within that polygon and automatically activate those sirens.

That means if a tornado system or tornado itself is spotted in a specific community, the entire county won't get the warnings.

If you live up in the northwest portion of the county, a storm that's moving through that area, there's really no need in alerting people in Southside or Glencoe or Hokes Bluff, because the storm is not in their area. And that's a difference as far away as 30 miles.

It also means fewer sirens going off in areas that aren't affected by severe weather.

"In the future if they hear a siren go off, they should know that they are in the risk area and they should seek shelter immediately," Gadsden-Etowah EMA Director Mike Bryant said.

They apply to tornado warnings and watches only so there will be no more thunderstorm sirens.

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