Nashville gets new tornado warning technology

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — After nearly a year and a half, Nashville has brand new tornado warning technology.

Before now when a tornado warning was issued, an operator would manually push a button to sound all 93 sirens in the county. With the new service, a computer will directly communicate with the NWS polygon warning. An additional 20 sirens sites were added to expand coverage.

Tornado sirens will now automatically sound, only in the area where the polygon is placed. It’s an important upgrade, says OEM Districk Chief Jay Servais.

“We are looking at automatic, real-time instantaneous information to keep you safe," Servais said. "So if you hear the sirens now, that means there’s a tornado in your area.”

The most important take away with this new technology is to take action when you hear these sirens.

If a siren is going off in your neighborhood, there’s an immediate threat. Also keep in mind that these outdoor warning sirens are just that. Outdoor warning sirens. Do not rely on hearing them indoors. Have multiple ways to get alerts, including the FOX 17 Weather App and a weather radio.

Tune into FOX 17 News at 9 p.m. for Chief Meteorologist Katy Morgan's full report.