Flood Warning Siren Project Nearing Completion in Southern Haywood County

Haywood County --   Press Release Haywood County Government: Sometimes, the sound of a siren can be the most important warning you’ll ever hear. In Haywood County, that warning system is getting stronger. 

The county’s flood warning weather siren project is close to being complete. Once finished, 18 outdoor warning sirens will serve the southern portion of the county, including the Cruso and Lake Logan areas toward Canton, and Clyde. 

The sirens are designed to alert residents of flooding and flash flooding threats. Activation may be triggered by river level data, or manually by the 911 Communications Center. 

“This project represents a critical investment in public safety,” said County Manager Bryant Morehead. “We’ve seen firsthand how quickly conditions can change during severe weather, and these sirens will help ensure people in vulnerable areas get the warning
 they need to act quickly.” 

This project was made possible through a state grant awarded in response to the impact of Tropical Storm Fred. The siren locations were selected based on flood vulnerability and that storm’s impacts on the community. 

All system components are in the county, and work is actively moving forward. Haywood County is coordinating with the vendor to finalize the installation schedule. Once installed, the system will undergo thorough testing to ensure it operates as intended. The
 project is expected to be complete in early 2026. 

While the sirens are a powerful tool to enhance public safety, they are not a substitute for personal preparedness. Every household should have an emergency plan, stay informed through official channels, and be ready to act when severe weather threatens. Residents
 are encouraged to sign up for local Haywood Alerts and review flood safety plans in advance. ReadyHaywood.com is the best place to get started — offering easy-to-follow guidance, preparedness checklists, and critical emergency information tailored to our community. 

In addition, Haywood County Emergency Services is working to educate the public about the new siren system — including how the system will be used, and what to do if a siren sounds in your area.. 

We are also pursuing additional funding opportunities to expand siren coverage across other areas of the county. 

Haywood County remains committed to building a safer, more prepared community. Stay connected, stay informed, and take time now to make sure you and your family are ready for whatever comes next. 

Image: AI Generated by WNCTimes