In 2015, over 20% of the homes in San Marcos were either damaged or destroyed due to massive flooding. Some Willow Creek residents received significant damage from the Memorial Day flood.
Hays County lost 12 lives. Getting this much torrential rain in a short period wreaks havoc on our fragile infrastructure.
When the emergency sirens sound (located on Leslie Lane), please check your emergency notifications (phone, computer, or other devices) to verify the type of emergency. Please consider signing up for emergency alerts at warncentraltexas.com.
If you are outside, seek shelter immediately. If it’s flash flooding, get to high ground. If it’s a tornado and you are on the road? Get to an underpass. If at home, grab your pets and huddle in your storm closet or other secure location.
The sirens are meant to save lives. Please pay attention to them and respond accordingly.
According to the City of San Marcos, the sirens were activated Monday night during a flash flood warning, which led to some confusion, as they are typically associated with tornado warnings.
After the city received feedback, the system was temporarily paused for review. The automatic alerts have been re-enabled, and the sirens are fully operational.
If a qualifying warning is issued, the system will activate. The city is continuing to review its protocols and working to ensure residents understand what the sirens mean and how to respond.
The sirens will emit tones to indicate that an imminent threat is detected, either automatically through the National Weather Service or manually, as determined by local emergency management personnel.
Each tone pattern is assigned to a different emergency category, including:
- Tornado warning: a single pitch that has a long and steady tone and lasts for three minutes
- Wildland fire: alternates between high and low tones, lasting for three minutes
- Public safety threat: a wave-like pitch that will change in tone every 16 seconds for a total of three minutes.
These threats could include flooding, hazardous materials spills, or other emergencies.
To learn more about the Outdoor Warning System and when the city will use the sirens, please visit: https://www.sanmarcostx.gov/4434/Outdoor-Warning-System
There are multiple ways to receive warnings, including weather apps, NOAA radios, Warn Central Texas, and local media, all of which are helpful tools to keep you and your family safe.
