During the severe round of weather that came through our area on Wednesday night, there were damage reports across much of DeKalb County, with an apparent tornado touching down near Rainsville; Etowah County had a number of reports of damage in the vicinity.

A small part of southern Cherokee County and a portion of northern Calhoun County, were placed under Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and a Tornado Warning.

Afterwards, a number of local residents contacted WEIS Radio, asking why cell phone alerts weren’t received during the height of the storm. 

Thursday, we spoke with National Weather Service Meteorologist Daniel Martin, who explained how the system works, and why certain residents may not receive an alert, until the proper time.  

As severe weather travels through any given area, and residents in a specific location become in danger, that’s when the polygon alert will activate on your cell phone; also if you travel into an area where there’s a potential for danger, your alert will activate – providing pinpoint accuracy.