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7 Critical Facts About The Winston-Salem Tornado Warning System You Must Know Right Now (December 2025)

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The threat of severe weather, including fast-moving tornadoes, remains a constant reality for residents across Winston-Salem and the greater Forsyth County area, as evidenced by recent alerts throughout 2025. Understanding the current warning system is not just about convenience—it is a matter of life and death, especially since the city's approach to alerts has significantly evolved. As of today, December 22, 2025, while the immediate forecast may be calm, the critical takeaway from the year's events is the urgent need for a personalized, reliable preparedness plan that does not rely on outdated methods.

Following a recent Tornado Warning issued for the area earlier this year, and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning in July 2025, local authorities are continually stressing the importance of being proactive. This comprehensive guide breaks down the essential facts about how the National Weather Service (NWS) issues alerts for Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and the critical steps every resident must take to ensure their safety and the safety of their family.

The Evolving Landscape of Winston-Salem's Tornado Alert System

The method by which Winston-Salem and Forsyth County communicate a severe weather threat has fundamentally changed, moving away from a traditional system to a more modern, direct-to-consumer approach. Relying on past methods or assuming you will hear a siren could put you at extreme risk during the next severe weather event.

  • Fact 1: The Tornado Sirens Are Gone. One of the most critical pieces of information for every resident is that Forsyth County has discontinued the use of its roughly 20 outdoor tornado sirens. This means that if a tornado warning is issued, you will not hear an outdoor siren, making personal alert systems absolutely essential.
  • Fact 2: The Modern Alert Reliance. The primary methods for receiving immediate, life-saving alerts now include NOAA Weather Radio, the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on television and radio, and direct mobile alerts like Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). These digital and in-home systems are designed to wake you up and provide information even when you are indoors.
  • Fact 3: Recent Alerts Confirm the Threat. The area is no stranger to severe weather. In early 2025, a Tornado Warning was issued for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County area, requiring residents to seek shelter immediately. Furthermore, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning was active for the Wake Forest University area in July 2025. These events serve as a stark reminder that the region is consistently in the path of dangerous storms.

Understanding the Difference: Watch vs. Warning

The National Weather Service uses two distinct terms to communicate the level of threat, and confusing them can lead to either complacency or unnecessary panic. Knowing the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning is a fundamental part of tornado preparedness.

A Tornado Watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms to develop in or near the watch area. This is the time to review your safety plan, locate your safe room, and stay tuned to local media or your weather radio. It means "Be Prepared."

A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by NWS radar. This is the time to act immediately. It means "Take Action." When a warning is issued, you have minutes, not hours, to get to your designated safe space. The warning issued on February 6th, for example, required immediate shelter.

Essential Steps for Winston-Salem Tornado Safety

The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Office of Emergency Management consistently urges residents to have a comprehensive plan in place, especially given the lack of outdoor sirens. These steps are critical for surviving a direct threat.

  • Fact 4: You Need a Backup Alert System. Because the sirens are no longer used, you must have a dedicated way to receive alerts. A NOAA Weather Radio with a battery backup is the gold standard, as it provides alerts even if the power goes out or cell towers are overloaded.
  • Fact 5: Identify Your Safe Room Now. The safest place during a tornado is the lowest level of your home, such as a basement or storm cellar. If you don't have one, choose an interior room on the ground floor away from windows, like a closet or bathroom. The goal is to put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
  • Fact 6: The 1989 Outbreak as a Historical Benchmark. Winston-Salem has a history of severe, destructive tornadoes. The 1989 Winston-Salem tornado outbreak was a landmark event that caused extensive damage and highlighted the need for improved warning systems. While warning technology has improved dramatically since then, the destructive power of a tornado remains the same.
  • Fact 7: Practice Your Safety Drill. The time to decide where to go is not when the warning is issued. The Forsyth County Emergency Management recommends practicing your tornado drill at least twice a year. Ensure every member of your household, including children and pets, knows exactly where to go and what to do when a Ram ALERT or NWS warning is received.

Preparedness Entities and Key Takeaways

Being prepared means having the right information and knowing which local resources to trust. The severe weather season in North Carolina typically runs from March through May, but as the 2025 alerts show, dangerous storms can occur at any time of year.

Key entities and resources for staying informed:

  • National Weather Service (NWS) Blacksburg/Raleigh: The official source for all severe weather watches and warnings affecting the Piedmont Triad region.
  • Forsyth County Emergency Management: Provides local safety guidelines, preparedness tips, and information on the county's alert systems.
  • Local Media Outlets: WXII-TV, WGHP-TV, and local radio stations provide real-time updates and storm tracking for Winston-Salem.
  • SKYWARN/Weather Spotter: A network of trained volunteers that provides ground-truth reports to the NWS, enhancing the accuracy of warnings.

In conclusion, the most important step you can take today, December 22, 2025, is to verify your personal alert system. Do not wait for the next severe thunderstorm or tornado watch to begin. With the sirens retired, your mobile phone, NOAA Weather Radio, and a pre-planned safe room are the only things standing between you and the next major weather event in Winston-Salem.

7 Critical Facts About the Winston-Salem Tornado Warning System You Must Know Right Now (December 2025)
winston salem tornado warning
winston salem tornado warning

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