New Law: New York Considers First Tornado Warning System

New York is looking into creating its first statewide early warning system for tornadoes.

A bill signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo directs a review into the feasibility of installing a system. The system could involve piercing sirens at firehouses, schools, hospitals, sports facilities and other buildings to alert residents in areas statewide. No specific communities are mentioned in the bill signed last Friday.

The effort by the Legislature and governor comes after three years of especially severe weather statewide that included hurricanes, floods and tornadoes.

The warnings would also be spread in social media including text messages.

The first report of findings and recommendations is due March 1.