NOAA Weather Radio
is also known as the voice of the National Weather Service. NOAA Weather Radio provides continuously updated weather information, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. National Weather Service personnel prepare weather information that is normally broadcast in three to five-minute cycles. This information includes forecasts, warnings, current conditions, climate data, and other important information.

To receive broadcasts from the National Weather Service, a special radio capable of receiving signals in the very high frequency, also known as VHF, a public service band is required. Nationally, frequencies from 162.400 to 162.550 megahertz are used for NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts.

     Alabama is served by 29 transmitters which cover approximately 95 percent of the citizens in Alabama.
     Mississippi is served by 18 transmitters which cover most of the citizens in Mississippi. 
     Florida is served by 36 transmitters which cover most of the citizens of Florida.

NOAA Weather Radio is useful anytime but is most important during severe weather. When threatening weather develops, normal broadcasts are interrupted by important severe weather information. Watches, warnings, and statements are given the highest priority and are updated frequently.

In an emergency, each NOAA Weather Radio All-Hazards station will transmit a warning alarm tone signal followed by information on the emergency situation. This signal is capable of activating specially designed receivers by increasing the volume or producing a visual or audible alarm. Not all weather band receivers have this capability, but all radios that receive NOAA weather radio all hazards can receive emergency broadcasts. The warning alarm device is tested each Wednesday, usually between 9 am and 10 am, and again every Wednesday evening between 6 pm and 8 pm (weather permitting).

A feature available in newer Weather Radio All-Hazards receivers is called "SAME" which stands for specific area message encoding. "SAME" technology allows radios to be programmed for the reception of watch and warning messages for certain counties in your area, without disturbing users for warnings outside of the programmed counties. Local media outlets are urged to use NOAA weather radio for up-to-date weather information and may freely rebroadcast the NOAA weather radio all hazards transmission.

Click here for more information on the NOAA Weather Radio Transmitters across our area!
 

Emergency Alert System

Another source of weather information is the Emergency Alert System, also known as EAS, which replaced the emergency broadcast system. The EAS is a system of communication links that utilize data in a digital form. It is a reliable means of linking the National Weather Service, emergency management agencies, and various broadcast media together. The EAS will help participating radio and television stations receive and relay weather warnings and other emergency information in a timely manner.

Tornado Sirens

Something to keep in mind - even though tornado sirens are activated during Tornado Warnings, the sirens are for OUTDOOR purposes and are not meant to be heard indoors. We would like to stress to everyone to consider getting a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed of warnings!

NEW: Wireless Emergency Alerts "WEA"

The Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) service is a free notification service. When the National Weather Service issues certain weather warnings, cell towers will broadcast the alert to cell users in the threat area. The service is not subscription based, and it does not track your location. Users will only receive emergency alerts if they are in the threat area. If you travel into an alert area after the alert was originally sent, you should still receive it.
 

WEA consists of 3 alert types: Presidential Alerts, Imminent Threat Alerts (including severe man-made or natural disasters), and AMBER Alerts.

Additional Information

     Weather Warnings On The Go!

     Wireless Emergency Alert Flyer

     NOAA Weather Radio Information for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

     YouTube - Weather Alerts & Preparedness Plans/Kits (ASL/CC)
     YouTube - FEMA App