Arkansas Flood Town Developing Flood Warning System

Hot Springs, Ark., is testing a siren and voice warning system to alert people to flooding in the resort city’s downtown area.

Public Works Director Denny McPhate said Friday that the system would mainly be used to warn of floods but could perhaps also be used to warn of an approaching tornado.

System testing is to start at about 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Whittington Valley, Park Avenue and the south side of the downtown area.

A flood warning system was installed in 2006 and is maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey. The Sentinel-Record reports the system monitors Hot Springs Creek at key points north and south of the downtown area and notifies emergency personnel.

The new system is designed to directly notify the public.