Tornadoes can be a scary thing, especially when they’re spinning in your direction. Thankfully, thanks to technology, you no longer have to live in fear of these twisters.
Some people may think that only significant cities get tornadoes, but that’s not the case. Tornadoes can touch down anywhere, including small towns and rural areas. Thanks to weather radios, you can stay safe even if you’re miles away from the nearest tornado warning center.
We’ve put together a guide on using NOAA weather radio and what to expect while you listen. Check it out below, and be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way!
What is an NWS Weather Radio?
An NWS Weather Radio is a device the National Weather Service uses to receive weather forecasts and warnings from NOAA.
It transmits on FM frequencies, allowing it to be received in most places in the United States.
How to use an NWS Weather Radio
There are many different ways to use an NWS Weather Radio.
The most common way to use an NWS Weather Radio is to tune into one of the National Weather Service’s local forecasts.
The forecast will give you the latest information on weather conditions in your area, including a forecast for thunderstorms and severe weather.
You can also use an NWS Weather Radio to listen for emergency weather alerts. These alerts will tell you about hazardous weather conditions that may affect your area, including tornado watches and warnings.
If you’re traveling, it’s essential to know how to use an NWS Weather Radio in case you need to be prepared for harsh weather conditions.
You can find information on using an NWS Weather Radio while traveling in the United States at the website travelweatherradios.com.
What to do if you lost your NWS Weather Radio
If you have lost or had your NWS Weather Radio stolen, there are a few things you can do to ensure you have the best chance of receiving weather information in an emergency.
First and foremost, ensure you keep up with regular weather radio scanning – even if you don’t think your location is in danger, the radios will pick up broadcasts from surrounding areas that may be of use.
If you live in an area covered by more than one NOAA Weather Radio station, try rotating through them to see if any stations broadcast specific warnings or alerts for your site.
If none of these measures help, consider purchasing a replacement weather radio. Not only will this give you quick access to important safety information when needed, but it can also provide peace of mind in knowing that you’re prepared should something happen to your current one.
What is the best weather radio?
The best weather radio is the type that emits an audible alarm and sends a text message to your cell phone when severe weather is detected.
Many of the newer radios also have an internet connection, so you can check the latest conditions before going outside. The downside is that many of these radios are expensive, so choosing one that will stay operational during severe weather is essential.
What frequency should I set my weather radio?
If you live in an area affected by severe weather, it is essential to have a weather radio and set the frequency correctly. The National Weather Service (NWS) has published a table with the frequencies used by their Weather Radios.
When you buy or receive your weather radio, check the frequency range and find the correct NOAA station for your location. NWS predicts severe weather in advance, so staying informed about current conditions is essential.
What VHF channel is NOAA weather?
The National Weather Service’s (NWS) Kansas City office operates on VHF channel 13.
This channel provides weather information for central and eastern Missouri, southeastern Indiana, and southwestern Illinois. During severe weather, the NWS Kansas City office also broadcasts on higher frequency channels 10 through 12.
If you need to contact the NWS Kansas City office during severe weather, please use one of these methods:
- Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.
- Use the NWS mobile app (iOS and Android).
- Access the NWS website at www.nws.gov/kc and click “Local Conditions” in the main section. Enter your address in the “Find Your Location” box and hit “Go.” The forecast for your area will appear under “My Forecast.”
- Send a text message to 88889 followed by your town name (e.g., Haysville). This will send an automated message to the regional forecaster at the NWS Kansas City office with your request.
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Is there a weather radio app?
There are many weather radio apps available for both Android and iOS devices. The NWS has a few of its own, such as the Kansas City Warning Area Forecast app, NOAA Weather Radio App for iPhone/iPad, and NOAA Weather Radio App for Android. You can also find reputable weather radio apps on Google Play or Apple iTunes.
Different weather radios will have additional features, so it’s essential to read the description of each app before downloading it. Some apps allow you to access current conditions, extended forecasts, and warnings in specific areas.
Others offer streaming audio of local National Weather Service broadcasts or pre-recorded messages about weather emergencies or outdoor activities.
Regardless of which app you choose, be sure to regularly check the NWS website and your device’s notification settings for updates about severe weather events in your area.
And don’t forget that emergency personnel always use broadcast radio to update citizens about potentially dangerous weather conditions.
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How do I change the code on my NOAA Weather Radio?
If you have an NOAA Weather Radio and would like to change the code, follow these steps:
- Turn off the weather radio and remove the battery.
- Open the cover of the weather radio by pressing in on one corner and sliding it off (Figure 1).
- Locate the chip (Figure 2) with the programming instructions on it.
- Copy the new code onto a piece of paper and write down where you copied it from (Figure 3).
- Reinstall the chip by reversing these steps, making sure to replace the battery first.
Once everything is back together, turn on your weather radio and select your new code!
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Can I get NOAA radio on my phone?
There are a few different apps available. The most popular one is the NWS app. If you have an NOAA radio, you can use it with your smartphone.
This app has features not found on other apps, like streaming audio and text alerts for severe weather.
You can also use an app called “NOAA Weather Radio” from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
This app includes all the NWS app’s features, regional maps, and access to archived forecasts.
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What radio Station is Kansas City Weather?
The National Weather Service’s (NWS) Kansas City office provides forecast information for the metropolitan area, including western and central Missouri and eastern Kansas.
The NWS operates three primary weather radio stations in the KC metro area – WSR-88D in Independence, KCCI-FM in Blue Springs, and KWCH-AM in Wichita.
Each station broadcasts a unique local forecast tailored to the listener’s location. The three stations also offer live audio streaming of their entire programming schedule so you can hear what’s going on even if you’re not within range of an FM or AM broadcast tower.
Suppose weather conditions are severe outside of the regular broadcast coverage areas. In that case, the National Weather Service alerts listeners through its “weather spotters” program, which sends reports directly to the NWS.
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Conclusion
The NWS Kansas City NOAA Weather Radio app is a great way to keep up-to-date on weather conditions in the area.
With rich graphics and detailed information, this app makes it easy to see patterns forming and how they might impact your day.
Whether at home or working out in the gym, make sure to have the NWS Kansas City NOAA Weather Radio app open so you can stay safe and informed.
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