Lubbock’s relatively new Outdoor Warning System got its first true test in a non-simulated situation Thursday when a line of tornado-warned storms moved through the county.
The sirens came through loud and clear, adding a layer of alerts to the smart phone notifications, local media and other warnings residents received after the National Weather Service in Lubbock issued multiple tornado warnings Thursday evening.
More: Check here for live updates as storms bring tornado damage in West Texas, watch remains
While the storm system produced several confirmed tornadoes west of the city – including in Hockley and Cochran counties – and NWS Lubbock forecasters saw enough indicators to issue warnings for Lubbock County and the city, there were no confirmed reports of tornadoes touching down in Lubbock during Thursday’s weather event, according to the city of Lubbock.
The outdoor warning system, with 45 sirens, came online in 2022 and has periodically been tested by the city – typically on Friday mornings once a month. The City of Lubbock initially budgeted around $1 million for the project and approved a contract with the Oklahoma-based Goddard Enterprises in February 2021 for $710,415, the Avalanche-Journal reported at the time.
Lubbock Outdoor Warning System activated for tornado warnings
The city of Lubbock released a statement late Thursday after the severe weather system moved through the area.
“At approximately 6:55 p.m., the National Weather Service included Lubbock, Texas in a Tornado Warning. This warning activated the Outdoor Warning System (OWS). This Tornado Warning also activated the Integrated Public Alert Warning System (IPAWS). These emergency warnings provided our citizens the best opportunity to get indoors & seek shelter immediately before the storm entered the City of Lubbock, Texas.
Currently, the City of Lubbock does not have any confirmation of a tornado touching down within the city limits of Lubbock, Texas. Additionally, the City of Lubbock has zero reported injuries related to the storm.
The storm that did come through the City of Lubbock posed a great amount of structural damage, debris in roadways, and severe roadway flooding. Several residents within the city limits are experiencing power outages. Lubbock Power & Light and South Plains Electric Cooperative are actively working to restore power and will continue to work throughout the night. Lubbock Power & Light is reporting approximately 1,400 customers without power.
Lubbock Fire Rescue, Lubbock Police Department, the City of Lubbock Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor damages and conditions.”
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Tornado warnings first true test of new Lubbock outdoor warning system