A detectable warning system for persons with disabilities. The system is in one embodiment composed of a surface covering (103) and rectangular block shapes (104). The warning system may utilize a surface texture (107) such as silicon carbide or granite to create a slip-resistant surface with compliant color contrast over the rectangular block shapes (104). This surface texture (107) can be used in or along a hazardous area on the paving or floor surface and helps a person with a physical and/or visual disability distinguish a hazardous area from a non-hazardous area. In additional embodiments, ridges (112) or elongated truncated domes (116) are used to give greater detectability in various locations.