Though thunderstorms and tornadoes can happen in Texas any time of year, Texans are more likely to experience these types of severe weather events in the spring and early summer—which means that in Richardson, you’re also more likely to get severe weather alerts. As a reminder, using multiple warning methods is the best way to receive alerts during any emergency. Methods include:
- Outdoor Warning System, activated to move people inside safe structures to seek more information about immediate threats to Richardson from:
- Tornado Warning or Severe Thunderstorm Warning with destructive winds at or above 70 mph
- Trained spotters report a tornado with potential to affect Richardson
- Hail of 1.75-inch diameter (golf ball) or greater
- Emergency officials deem it necessary to move people who are outdoors indoors for their safety
- Note: Sirens are not expected to be heard from inside a house or building
- NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio – purchase a NOAA radio to receive 24/7 warning from the National Weather Service
- Richardson Emergency Notification System – rapid notification via calls, text and/or e-mail when you sign up at www.cor.net/alerts or call 972-744-0900
- Smartphone applications – including local news media, radar and lightning apps
- Follow @RichardsonToday on Facebook and Twitter
In order to ensure the City is prepared for severe weather, the City’s Office of Emergency Management conducts a full, three-minute test of the siren system at noon on the first Wednesday of each month, with short-blast growl tests occurring on the second, third, fourth and fifth Wednesdays of the month at noon. The tests are rescheduled if there is inclement weather or overcast skies in the area during the scheduled test time.
For more information on the City’s Office of Emergency Management, visit www.cor.net/EM.
