Statewide Tornado Drill Today

As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, Forsyth County will participate in today's statewide tornado drill at 9 a.m. The test message will be issued by the National Weather Service and will go out over NOAA Weather Radio.

"Residents should note that this is only a drill,” said Lorraine Morris, Emergency Management Agency coordinator. "During the drill on February 8, the county’s outdoor severe weather sirens will sound the audible test tone."

There are 12 outdoor severe weather sirens located throughout the county that are designed to notify residents who are outdoors that severe weather is in the area.

In the event Forsyth County is placed under a tornado warning the sirens are activated with a warning tone. Regular monthly testing of the audible siren (test tone) takes place at noon on the first Wednesday of every month, weather permitting.

The Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency encourages residents to sign up for . These time-sensitive weather alerts sound off in the event of thunderstorm, flash flood or tornado warnings.

There is no cost to receive these weather alerts, that are issued via telephone calls, e-mails or text messages, but phone usage or text charges may apply. The alerts are for use in concert with the county’s outdoor severe weather sirens and a NOAA weather radio.

To sign up for the alerts, visit the Forsyth County Web site and look for the ‘Sign up to receive Forsyth County Weather Alerts’ icon on the home page.

Citizens can also learn more about different types of disasters and how to prepare for them by picking up a copy of the “Do you know what to do When Disaster Strikes?” brochure. These brochures are available at and the County Administration Building.

For more information, call 770-205-5674 or visit the Ready Georgia Web site.