After a week of extreme weather, many residents in North Texas have heard sirens throughout the region. But, contrary to popular belief, these sirens don’t always signal a tornado.
Here’s what they mean for each city:
Plano
Residents of the city may face various emergencies, such as severe weather, civil defense situations and hazardous materials accidents. To address these, the city of Plano established an extensive outdoor warning system with 43 warning sirens.
In the city, residents should heed warnings issued by the National Weather Service, particularly during severe weather events. These warnings include severe thunderstorm warnings indicating winds surpassing 70 miles per hour or tornado warnings for the immediate vicinity. Additionally, reports from trained storm spotters about tornado sightings within or near Plano, as well as instances of hail measuring 1.5 inches or larger, warrant attention. Other emergencies as directed by the department of emergency management require prompt awareness and action from residents to ensure their safety and well-being.
The outdoor warning sirens undergo testing on the first Wednesday of each month at noon, provided that weather conditions permit. If the weather is inclement or poses a threat, the sirens are not tested to avoid any confusion between a test and a genuine activation.
Frisco
Frisco's outdoor warning siren system comprises 42 sirens across the city. These sirens are capable of being activated individually or in clusters to offer localized alerts. Control of the outdoor warning sirens is centralized at either the central fire station, the 911 dispatch center within the Frisco Police Department or specific fire department vehicles.
The outdoor warning siren system employs specific tones to signal residents about impending severe weather events, such as tornado warnings, winds exceeding 70 miles per hour and reported hail of 1.25 inches in diameter or larger, along with other emergencies necessitating immediate notification. Additionally, information may be disseminated to citizens via radio, television (including the city's government access channels), and public address systems mounted on fire and police vehicles as required. The "wail" signal is utilized for severe weather alerts, including actual tornado warnings, as well as during the monthly siren testing conducted on the first Wednesday of each month.
McKinney
McKinney's outdoor warning siren system is designed to notify residents and visitors who are outdoors of potential hazards, weather and other emergencies. The system is maintained by the McKinney Office of Emergency Management and comprises 29 sirens.
Various situations prompt the activation of the outdoor warning siren system. These include severe thunderstorm warnings issued by the National Weather Service predicting hazardous conditions like large hail (1.5 inches or greater), destructive winds (exceeding 70 mph) or other immediate threats to life and property. Tornado warnings from the NWS specifically mentioning Collin County with McKinney in the projected path trigger activation. Sighting and confirmation of a tornado in McKinney or its close vicinity also necessitate siren activation. Instances of chemical spills or releases posing public exposure risks and potential harm warrant alerting through the sirens. Activation may also occur when a state or national emergency is declared by the governor or president, and for other pertinent emergencies as deemed appropriate. Testing takes place every first Saturday of the month at noon, weather permitting.
Allen
Allen operates a network of 26 outdoor warning sirens that are activated during severe weather occurrences, encompassing threats such as large hail, strong winds and tornado warnings. While strategically positioned across the city, these sirens primarily serve to alert individuals who are outdoors. However, those indoors may not always hear them due to factors like air conditioning, thunder, wind, rain and other ambient conditions that can mask the sound. The sirens are activated when hail exceeds 1 inch in diameter, when wind speeds surpass 70 mph, and when tornado warnings issued by the National Weather Service specifically mention Allen in the projected path.
Dallas
Comprising 178 strategically located sirens across Dallas, the outdoor warning system is a vital safety feature. In and around the city of Dallas, various conditions prompt alert activations, including tornado warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Severe thunderstorm warnings are also issued by the National Weather Service when sustained winds exceed 70 mph, posing risks to the area. Reports from trained storm spotters about tornado sightings within Dallas or neighboring jurisdictions with potential impacts on the city are closely monitored. Additionally, alerts are issued in response to reported hail measuring 1.5 inches or larger in diameter, with adjustments made for areas or events where significant numbers of people are outdoors. The Office of Emergency Management responds to and determines the need for alerts in other emergency situations as warranted. During an emergency, residents will hear a steady signal of the sirens for 3-5 minutes. Regular tests are conducted on the first Wednesday of each month at noon, contingent upon favorable weather conditions.
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If you hear warning sirens in any city, seek shelter immediately. Turn on a radio or television and listen carefully to instructions.
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