Residents complain about frequency of tornado siren

By Eddie West Staff Writer

The frequent sounding of the city’s tornado siren Thursday morning resulted in complaints from some residents who live nearby the alert system.

A flurry of National Weather Service warning were issued in the early morning hours of Thursday for Smith County, resulting in the frequent sounding of the siren which is located in front of Smith County High School at the 911 center (former Smith County Health Department).

Some houses are located across the street from the siren and others just a few yards away.

The siren is meant to warn residents outside their houses of approaching severe weather.

The alarm can be programmed for a variety of weather threats such as a tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings.

The siren also sounds a prerecorded voice message.

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