Tornado Watch in effect through through 6 p.m. Friday, April 26

From the National Weather Service: A Tornado Watch is in effect for much of Central Texas and eastern portions of North Texas (including the DFW Metroplex) through 6 p.m. Friday, April 26. This means that conditions are favorable for severe weather. The main threats with any severe storms will be hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter, damaging wind gusts up to 7-mph, and a few tornadoes. Pay close attention to the weather and be prepared to shelter if a warning is issued for your location.

Remember, sirens aren't just for tornadoes!

Allen operates 26 outdoor warning sirens that sound during severe weather events, including:

• Large hail greater than 1 inch in diameter
• Winds greater than 70 mph
• Tornado warnings naming Allen in the path

Allen uses data from the National Weather Service, weather radars, and trained storm spotters/public safety officers to determine when these criteria are met. Allen's outdoor warning sirens are designed to alert people outdoors of the need to find shelter and seek information. You may not be able to hear them indoors as other noises or insulation can muffle the tone. Allen Emergency Management recommends using phone apps, TV/radio reports, and NOAA weather radios to receive warnings while indoors. Learn more about storm and tornado safety.

If you hear sirens, you should get indoors, find shelter and seek information. The best source for weather warnings is an NOAA all-hazards weather radio which activates when it receives a radio signal from the NWS. You can put the radio near your bed to wake you up if you're asleep, and there's adaptive technology available for people with vision or hearing impairments. View NOAA radio frequencies

Backup options include:

Stay connected for closure, emergency information

• CityofAllen.org is the primary source of closure and storm/service impact information for the City of Allen.
• The Allen Fire Department posts alerts on their Facebook page when the outdoor weather sirens are activated. The post will advise as to the reason for activation but, depending on location of your home and the speed and movement of the storm, information may not be applicable or timely to all viewers and should not be used as your main alerting source.
• For advance notice of weather, weather-related reminders, and information on storm/service impacts, the primary social media channel used to share information is the City of Allen Facebook page.
• During emergencies, the primary social media channel used to share information is the City of Allen Facebook page.

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