Outdoor Warning System

Getting to Know Your Outdoor Warning System

The City of Brownwood Outdoor Warning System (OWS) is now fully automatic and will alarm under three distinct weather conditions:

Thunderstorm Warning Categorized by NWS as Destructive

The system will provide a steady 3-minute activation of the OWS. Destructive Thunderstorms are categorized by winds in excess of 80 mph and/or hail in excess of 2.75 inches.

Tornado Warning

The OWS will cycle 3 minutes active and 3 minutes quiet repeatedly until the warning has been cancelled.

Tornado Emergency

The highest NWS alert level! The OWS will activate and sound continuously until the warning has been cancelled.

Storm Siren Template panel

The Purpose of the Outdoor Warning System


  • 12 Outdoor warning sirens are strategically placed around Brownwood.
  • Sirens are NOT meant to be heard indoors, they are for OUTDOOR warning purposes.
  • A siren signals to seek shelter inside and seek additional information.
  • If a siren stops, it DOES NOT mean the threat has ended.

When Does Brownwood Activate the Outdoor Warning Sirens?


  • Tornado Warning issued by the National Weather Service
  • Trained Storm Spotter Report of a Tornado
  • Hail 2.75" or larger in diameter
  • Winds of 80 mph or greater
  • Other Outdoor Emergencies

Tornado Terminology


TORNADO WATCH

Weather conditions could lead to the formation of severe storms and tornadoes. BE PREPARED: Know your safe location. Be ready to act quickly if a Warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.

TORNADO WARNING

A tornado has been spotted or indicated by weather radar, meaning a tornado is occurring or expected soon. TAKE ACTION: There is imminent danger to life and property. Immediately seek refuge in the safest location possible.

TORNADO EMERGENCY

An exceedingly rare situation with a severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage due to a confirmed violent tornado. TAKE ACTION: There is imminent danger to life and property. Immediately seek refuge in the safest location possible.