All Three Smithville Tornado Sirens Activate During Tuesday’s Warning

All three tornado sirens in Smithville passed their test during Tuesday’s tornado warning.

EMA Director Charlie Parker said the sirens are activated automatically when they are within the National Weather Service’s polygon area. Prior to adding two new sirens, the existing siren on city hall had to be activated manually.

“The first warning issued for Dekalb County was more north, along the I-40 corridor,” Parker said. “Then as the second round started moving in it came right to the edge of Smithville. So it did touch the Smithville area, so they did go off this morning.”

Parker said the first warning did not set off the sirens because the area was not in National Weather Service’s true threat polygon. The two new tornado sirens are located on Miller Road and West Broad Street.