Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – Crews are continuing to investigate the accidental activation of the City of Jonesboro’s tornado sirens on Tuesday.

According to an update from the city, a possible cause, determined based on early diagnosis, could be a faulty logic board that operates Siren 2003. The update said modern warning systems are highly computerized, with testing requiring multiple layers of code work.

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“No codes indicate an intentional testing activation,” the update said.

Both the subject repeater and the logic board were replaced.

The sirens, which Jonesboro E911 Dispatch reported as sounding Tuesday afternoon, produced a warning sound not typically heard. City officials said the tone was a “nonstandard sound” and will not be what residents hear when a tornado warning is issued.

Video of the accidental activation on Tuesday. (Video courtesy of Erika Askeland)

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Additional installation and testing of the siren will occur today (Wednesday, July 15) and tomorrow to ensure any problems are resolved. Sirens could sound during this process, the update said, but that was unlikely, and citizens should not be alarmed.

Maintenance and upgrades for the sirens began last week, with crews working in the area south of Nettleton Avenue. This week, they have moved to the area north of Nettleton Avenue.

In the event of severe weather, tornado sirens should not be one’s only way to receive warnings. Jonesboro Media Group radio stations 104.9 The Fox, 100.5 The Eagle, and Mix 106.3 will broadcast during tornado-warned storms, with listening options below. JRN will also provide updates on its news site.

  • Click here to listen to 104.9 The Fox.
  • Click here to listen to 100.5 The Eagle.
  • Click here to listen to Mix 106.3.

The Region 8 Storm Team (KAIT-TV) will also provide severe weather coverage. Warnings and information are also available on NOAA Weather Radio, broadcast in this area on 162.55 MHz.

Editor’s Note: JRN has an interview scheduled with E911 Director Ronnie Sturch later this afternoon to provide more information on the incident.