*** TEST *** This is a rescheduled test of the ACCPD Alert notification system in conjunction with the scheduled test of the outdoor tornado warning sirens. The test was postponed from Wednesday, February 4, 2026, to Friday, February 6, 2026, due to inclement weather.
The February test takes place during the statewide tornado drill and Severe Weather Preparedness Week. As part of the day, schools, businesses, and individuals are also encouraged to take part in severe weather exercises and tornado drills. Residents are also encouraged to take time during the week to prepare for a variety of severe weather situations. A test of the UGA Alert system took place earlier this week on all of its campuses in conjunction with the statewide tornado drill that proceeded as scheduled.
The 12 tornado warning outdoor sirens are located at Sandy Creek Park, Holland Youth Sports Complex, Bishop Park, West Broad Street at Old Epps Bridge Road, the College Avenue Parking Deck, the UGA Chemistry Building, the UGA University Village Community, Hilsman Middle School, the City of Winterville, Southeast Clarke Park, the UGA State Botanical Garden, and the UGA East Campus Parking Deck.
The tornado sirens are located around the community and are often near large outdoor community spaces that are frequently populated. The sirens are designed to alert residents who are outside to seek immediate shelter when a tornado warning is issued by the NWS.
Although residents who are inside their homes or offices may hear the sirens when they sound, residents who are in structures are not the primary audience. The tornado sirens are only activated in the event of a tornado warning or a test and are not activated for other severe watches or warnings or non-weather emergencies.
Testing of the tornado sirens involves not only testing the activation system, but also placing spotters at the outdoor tornado siren locations to listen for their sirens and observe their rotation.
