Lubbock County Conducts Emergency Alert System Test

Drill aims to ensure public warning systems work ahead of severe weather season

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and green, with a small town or rural area dwarfed by the dramatic, foreboding clouds overhead, conveying the overwhelming power of an impending severe storm.As severe weather season approaches, Lubbock County's emergency alert system drill prepares residents for the region's unpredictable and powerful natural forces.Lubbock Today

Lubbock County participated in a statewide emergency preparedness drill on Thursday to test its public warning systems, including alerts for severe weather, tornadoes, and other threats. The exercise helps identify any issues and ensures information is efficiently communicated to residents, according to the county's emergency management coordinator.

Why it matters

With Lubbock's history of severe weather events, including a significant tornado last year, the emergency alert system is crucial for keeping the public informed and safe during crises. Timely and accurate information allows residents to make well-informed decisions to protect themselves and their families.

The details

The drill involved testing Lubbock County's mass notification systems, which are designed to warn residents about a wide range of threats beyond just severe weather, such as tornado warnings, thunderstorm alerts, winter weather advisories, and red flag fire warnings. The county's emergency management coordinator said the goal is for an 'informed public' to 'respond correctly' during emergencies by following official instructions.

  • The statewide drill took place on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
  • Lubbock's severe weather season is just beginning.

The players

Clinton Thetford

Lubbock County's emergency management coordinator, who oversaw the emergency alert system test.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The whole idea behind mass notification systems is the informed public will hopefully respond correctly during times of emergency and follow instructions to keep them and their families safe from whatever the immediate threat is.”

— Clinton Thetford, Emergency Management Coordinator

“If you are not informed on what the situation is, you can't make well-informed decisions on what's best to protect you and your families. If you get accurate, timely information through these mass notification systems, then you can make good judgments on how to watch and respond when an incident is occurring.”

— Clinton Thetford, Emergency Management Coordinator

What’s next

Lubbock County officials will review the results of the emergency alert system test and make any necessary improvements to ensure the public warning network is fully operational ahead of the severe weather season.

The takeaway

Lubbock's history of extreme weather events underscores the critical importance of having a reliable and responsive emergency alert system to keep residents informed and safe during crises. The county's proactive approach to testing and refining its public warning capabilities demonstrates its commitment to community preparedness.