…The “Official” Voice of the National Weather Service…24 Hours a Day…

NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR), the voice of the National Weather Service (NWS), provides updated weather information continuously, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Watches, warnings, advisories, forecasts, current weather conditions, and climate data are broadcast in four to six minute cycles on NWR stations across the nation. To receive the NWR broadcasts, a special radio capable of receiving signals in the Very High Frequency (VHF) public service radio band is required. Seven frequencies from 162.400 to 162.550 megahertz (MHz) are used. Weather radios can be purchased at most electronics stores. Prices of these radios vary from location to location and depend upon the type of radio purchased.

California NOAA Weather Radio Coverage Map

During threatening weather, normal broadcasts are interrupted, and the focus is shifted to the local weather threat. Watches and warnings are given the highest priority and are frequently updated. NWR is a major part of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) that disseminates critical warning information rapidly through commercial broadcast outlets. In an emergency, each NWR 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 and/or audible alarm. Though not all weather band receivers have this capability, all weather radios can receive the emergency broadcasts.

A feature available in newer weather radio receivers called SAME, Specific Area Message Encoding, allows weather radios to be programmed for the reception of critical information for selected counties in your area.

NOAA Weather Radio will always be a priority dissemination tool for National Weather Service hazardous weather information. However, in a rapidly advancing technological society, the NWS is committed to adapting to the latest dissemination tools at hand. This will enhance the ability of the NWS to protect life and property. In addition, more advanced dissemination tools will continue to work seamlessly with already existing tools, such as NOAA Weather Radio and the Internet.

One of the most popular new methods of communicating hazardous weather information is through the use of mobile devices, such as PDA’s, handheld computers, and cell phones. These new technologies provide weather and all-hazards warnings, alerts and forecasts to cellular phones and mobile devices. High resolution weather data can be provided directly to mobile devices too. There are a growing number of vendors in the private sector that specialize in delivering specialized weather data to your mobile device, particularly text data, such as watch and warning information from the NWS. Check with your favorite private weather vendor on what services they have available for your mobile device. Ask specifically for NWS watches, warnings and advisories to be sent to your cell phone so you will be “in the know” wherever you go!

Another tool that is now available is a simple program that can be loaded on any computer to display forecast and hazardous weather information. FLARE is a user customizable weather display system that can run continuously on your PC or laptop. FLARE can display general forecasts, specialized forecasts (such as for pilots, fire fighters, or HAZMAT units), continuous weather observations, and climate data. FLARE has a customizable loop feature that allows the user to loop through graphical displays, such as radar, satellite, watch/warning/advisory maps, situational awareness pages, and even webcams. For more information on FLARE, and to download a free copy to your personal computer, please go to the following website: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/wrh/ssd/flare.msi