Sign Up to Receive Severe Weather Alerts

Last updated 3 days ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

This guide explains how to sign up for weather alerts, which systems work best for different situations, and how to make sure you never miss critical information when severe weather threatens.

Why Weather Alerts Matter

Weather alerts provide crucial advance notice of dangerous conditions like tornadoes, flash floods, severe thunderstorms, winter storms, extreme heat, and hurricanes. These early warnings give you time to:

• Take shelter before dangerous conditions arrive
• Evacuate if necessary
• Protect property by boarding windows or moving vehicles
• Gather emergency supplies
• Make informed decisions about travel or outdoor activities
• Check on vulnerable family members, friends, or neighbors

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), timely alerts have significantly reduced weather-related fatalities in recent decades. During the 2011 Joplin tornado, for example, people who received alerts had an average of 13 minutes to seek shelter before the EF5 tornado struck—enough time for many to reach safety.

Types of Weather Alert Systems

Multiple alert systems serve different purposes and work in various situations. Most experts recommend using several methods to ensure you always receive critical warnings.

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

Wireless Emergency Alerts are free notifications sent directly to compatible mobile phones by authorized government agencies.

How WEA works:

• Automatically enabled on most smartphones manufactured after 2012
• Uses special tone and vibration pattern different from regular notifications
• Broadcasts to all compatible devices in the affected area
• Doesn’t require sign-up or registration
• Not affected by network congestion during emergencies

Types of alerts sent through WEA:

• Tornado Warnings
• Flash Flood Warnings
• Hurricane Warnings
• Extreme Wind Warnings
• Tsunami Warnings
• Dust Storm Warnings
• Other imminent threats to life and property

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees the WEA system in partnership with FEMA and wireless carriers. These alerts use a different technology than regular text messages, allowing them to reach all phones in a specific geographic area without knowing individual phone numbers.

NOAA Weather Radio

NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from nearby National Weather Service offices.

How NWR works:

• Broadcasts 24/7 on seven dedicated VHF frequencies
• Covers approximately 95% of the United States
• Provides alerts, forecasts, and hazard information
• Special tone activates weather radios even when volume is turned down
• Many models feature battery backup for power outages

To use NOAA Weather Radio:

1. Purchase a weather radio receiver (available from $20-$100)
2. Program your radio to your local transmitter frequency
3. Set up Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) codes for your county
4. Test regularly to ensure proper function

The National Weather Service maintains a complete list of transmitter locations and frequencies to help you find the signal for your area. Many weather radios also support multiple counties, useful for those who live near county lines or want to monitor conditions where loved ones live.

Emergency Alert System (EAS)

The Emergency Alert System interrupts regular television and radio programming to deliver urgent weather warnings and other emergency information.

How EAS works:

• Automatically broadcasts on all TV and radio stations
• Uses distinctive attention tone and digital header code
• Provides audio messages with emergency information
• TV broadcasts include text crawls with essential details
• No sign-up required—just keep your TV or radio on

EAS is jointly managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the FCC, and the National Weather Service. This system is tested periodically with nationwide alerts to ensure it functions properly during actual emergencies.

Weather Apps

Numerous smartphone applications provide customizable weather alerts based on your location.

Popular weather alert apps:

• The official FEMA app
• Weather.gov mobile website
• The Weather Channel app
• AccuWeather app
• National Weather Service app
• Local TV station weather apps

Features to look for in weather apps:

• Push notifications for severe weather
• Radar imagery to track storms
• Location-based alerts that follow you when traveling
• Customizable alert types and thresholds
• Background operation to ensure alerts come through even when the app isn’t open

Most weather apps are free but may offer premium versions with additional features like longer-range forecasts or ad-free experiences.

Alert Services by Email and Text

Many organizations offer opt-in alert services delivered via email or text message.

Common text/email alert providers:

• NWS Weather Alerts
• Local emergency management agencies
• Community emergency notification systems
• Utility companies for power outage alerts
• University campus alert systems
• Workplace emergency communication systems

How to sign up:

1. Visit the provider’s website or download their app
2. Create an account or provide contact information
3. Select your location(s) and alert preferences
4. Choose delivery methods (text, email, or both)
5. Confirm your subscription (usually through a verification link)

Many local governments use systems like CodeRED, Everbridge, or Nixle for community notifications. Check your city or county’s emergency management website to find the specific service used in your area.

Government Alert Systems

Federal, state, and local governments operate several alert systems specifically designed for weather emergencies.

National Weather Service Alerts

The National Weather Service issues the official weather warnings that trigger most other alert systems.

How to receive NWS alerts directly:

• Visit Weather.gov and enter your location
• Follow local NWS offices on social media
• Subscribe to RSS feeds for your area
• Download the NWS mobile website as a shortcut on your phone
• Sign up for email alerts through the NWS Forecast by Email service

The NWS issues different levels of notifications:

• Watches: Conditions are favorable for hazardous weather
• Warnings: Hazardous weather is imminent or occurring
• Advisories: Weather conditions may cause significant inconvenience
• Outlooks: Potential for hazardous weather days in advance

FEMA Integrated Public Alert & Warning System

The Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) is the national infrastructure that enables alerts across multiple channels simultaneously.

IPAWS components include:

• Wireless Emergency Alerts to mobile devices
• Emergency Alert System for TV and radio
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Internet-based services and applications
• Unique digital road signs and other local systems

According to FEMA, IPAWS can reach the public through virtually any connected device, ensuring maximum coverage during emergencies. The system is designed with redundancy, so if one communication method fails, others can still deliver critical information.

State and Local Alert Systems

Many states and municipalities operate their own emergency notification systems.

Common state and local alert options:

• Reverse 911 calls to landlines
• Opt-in text/email services for specific neighborhoods
• Outdoor warning sirens
• Highway message boards
• Community social media channels
• Smart city infrastructure (digital kiosks, connected streetlights)

To find local systems:

1. Visit your city, county, or state emergency management website
2. Look for sections labeled “Alerts,” “Notifications,” or “Emergency Information”
3. Follow the registration process for each service
4. Update your information whenever you move

Local alert systems often provide highly specific information relevant to your immediate area, like street closures, evacuation orders, or shelter locations.

How to Set Up Alerts on Your Devices

Smartphone Settings

Most smartphones have built-in settings to manage emergency alerts.

For iPhone:

1. Go to Settings
2. Scroll down and tap on Notifications
3. Scroll to the bottom to Government Alerts section
4. Toggle on AMBER Alerts, Emergency Alerts, and Public Safety Alerts
5. On newer iOS versions, you can customize alert settings further

For Android:

1. Open the Settings app
2. Tap on Notifications
3. Scroll to find Wireless Emergency Alerts or Emergency Alert Settings
4. Enable the types of alerts you want to receive
5. Adjust sound and vibration preferences

Some wireless carriers or phone manufacturers may place these settings in slightly different locations. The CTIA, a wireless industry association, provides detailed instructions for specific device models.

Smart Home Devices

Modern smart home systems can help deliver weather alerts inside your home.

Amazon Echo/Alexa:

1. Open the Alexa app
2. Go to Settings > Notifications > Weather
3. Toggle on severe weather alerts
4. You can also say “Alexa, what’s the weather alert?”

Google Home/Google Assistant:

1. Open the Google Home app
2. Tap your profile picture > Assistant settings > Notifications
3. Enable weather alerts
4. You can also ask “Hey Google, are there any weather alerts?”

Other smart home options:

• Smart TVs that automatically display emergency information
• WiFi-connected weather stations that sound alerts
• Smart speakers that broadcast warnings
• Connected light bulbs that can flash red during emergencies

Many of these devices can be set to activate automatically when alerts are issued, providing additional notification methods beyond your phone.

Vehicle Alert Systems

Newer vehicles often include built-in systems for receiving emergency information.

Common vehicle alert systems:

• SiriusXM satellite radio weather alerts
• OnStar and similar connected car services
• Navigation systems with live traffic and weather
• Car manufacturer apps with push notifications

Contact your vehicle manufacturer or consult your owner’s manual to determine what alert capabilities your car has and how to activate them.

Setting Up Alerts for Specific Types of Weather

Different types of severe weather require different alert strategies. Here’s how to set up alerts for specific threats:

Tornado Alerts

Tornados require immediate action, making rapid notifications critical.

Recommended tornado alert settings:

• Keep Wireless Emergency Alerts enabled at all times
• Set weather app tornado alerts to the highest priority
• Purchase a weather radio if you live in tornado-prone regions
• Enable your phone’s emergency sounds to override silent/do not disturb modes
• Consider a dedicated tornado alert app if you live in Tornado Alley

According to the Storm Prediction Center, tornado warnings now provide an average of 13 minutes of lead time, but this varies significantly by storm. Every second counts when seeking shelter.

Hurricane Alerts

Hurricanes develop over days, requiring different alert strategies than sudden events.

Recommended hurricane alert settings:

• Follow local NWS office and emergency management social media
• Download the FEMA app for evacuation information
• Sign up for county-level text alerts for evacuation orders
• Enable notifications from the National Hurricane Center website or app
• Consider alerts for multiple locations if you have property in hurricane-prone areas

Hurricane alerts typically begin with outlooks days in advance, followed by watches 48 hours before potential impact, and warnings 36 hours before expected conditions.

Flood Alerts

Flooding can develop quickly and affect specific neighborhoods based on terrain.

Recommended flood alert settings:

• Enable Flash Flood Warning alerts on your phone
• Sign up for alerts from local water management districts
• Use weather apps that show precipitation forecasts for your exact location
• Consider a water-level sensor if you live in a flood-prone area
• Monitor stream gauges through the USGS WaterWatch site

Flood alerts are often issued for specific watersheds or streets, so local alert systems tend to provide the most relevant information for your location.

Winter Weather Alerts

Winter storms affect travel and infrastructure, requiring advance planning.

Recommended winter weather alert settings:

• Enable weather app notifications for Winter Storm Warnings
• Sign up for transportation department alerts for road conditions
• Register for power outage notifications from your utility company
• Use weather apps that provide ice accumulation forecasts
• Consider alerts from school districts for closure information

The National Weather Service issues winter weather alerts at various levels of severity, from Winter Weather Advisories to Ice Storm Warnings to Blizzard Warnings, each with specific implications for safety.

Heat and Air Quality Alerts

Extreme heat and poor air quality develop more gradually but pose serious health risks.

Recommended heat/air quality alert settings:

• Enable Excessive Heat Warnings in weather apps
• Sign up for AirNow alerts for air quality information
• Register for notifications from local health departments
• Consider alerts specifically for vulnerable population members
• Enable weather app UV index alerts for sun safety

Heat-related alerts are particularly important for checking on elderly neighbors and those without adequate cooling systems, as heat is the deadliest form of severe weather in an average year.

Alerts for Special Situations

Alerts for People with Disabilities

People with hearing, vision, mobility, or cognitive disabilities may need specialized alert systems.

Accessible alert options:

• Weather radios with strobe lights for the hearing impaired
• Vibration-based alert systems that connect to mobile devices
• Text-to-speech capabilities for visually impaired users
• Simple language notifications for cognitive disabilities
• Bed shakers that activate during severe weather alerts

The American Association of People with Disabilities provides resources on emergency preparedness for people with various disabilities. Additionally, the National Weather Service offers specific guidance for accessing weather information for people with disabilities.

Rural Location Alerts

Rural areas face unique challenges with alert delivery due to limited connectivity.

Rural alert strategies:

• NOAA Weather Radio is particularly important where cell service is unreliable
• Consider satellite-based internet or phone service for alerts
• Keep a battery-powered or crank radio for information during power outages
• Sign up for county-level emergency alert systems
• Consider ham radio as a backup communication method

The Rural Health Information Hub provides resources on emergency preparedness specific to rural communities.

Workplace and School Alerts

Organizations have responsibility to alert people in their facilities.

Common institutional alert systems:

• Mass notification systems that text, call, and email simultaneously
• Public address systems for immediate on-site announcements
• Desktop alerts on networked computers
• Digital signage with emergency information
• Dedicated apps for campus or workplace safety

Make sure to register your contact information with your workplace or school emergency notification system and keep it updated when your information changes.

Travel Alerts

Weather alerts can be more challenging to receive when traveling.

Weather alert strategies while traveling:

• Enable location-based weather alerts in apps that follow your location
• Sign up for alerts from transportation providers (airlines, Amtrak, etc.)
• Register for temporary local alerts in your destination
• Consider an NOAA Weather Radio for road trips
• Use the FEMA app for alerts nationwide

Most weather apps can provide alerts based on your current location rather than just your home address, which is essential when traveling.

Making the Most of Weather Alerts

Understanding Alert Terminology

Knowing the precise meaning of alert terminology helps you respond appropriately.

Common weather alert terms:

• Watch: Conditions are favorable for the weather event
• Warning: The weather event is imminent or occurring
• Advisory: Less severe than a warning but still potentially hazardous
• Emergency: Rare, extreme situation requiring immediate action
• Statement: Updates to previous alerts or additional information

The National Weather Service Glossary provides comprehensive definitions of weather terminology used in alerts.

Reducing Alert Fatigue

Too many alerts can lead to people ignoring important warnings.

Tips to avoid alert fatigue:

• Customize alert types to receive only what’s relevant to you
• Set different notification sounds for different severity levels
• Disable alerts for minor conditions but keep critical warnings
• Use apps that filter alerts based on impact rather than just weather type
• Periodically review and update your alert preferences

According to emergency management experts, people who experience multiple false alarms or too many minor alerts are less likely to take action when truly dangerous conditions occur.

Creating a Family Alert Plan

Coordinating alerts among family members ensures everyone receives critical information.

Family alert plan elements:

• Designate primary and backup alert methods for each family member
• Establish communication procedures during emergencies
• Create a phone tree for checking on each other
• Practice responding to different types of alerts
• Ensure children know how to interpret and respond to warnings

The Ready.gov website provides comprehensive family emergency planning guides, including communication during disasters.

Technical Aspects of Weather Alerts

How Meteorologists Determine When to Issue Alerts

Weather alerts aren’t issued arbitrarily—they follow specific criteria and processes.

How alerts are generated:

• Weather radar detects dangerous storm characteristics
• Atmospheric measurements show threshold conditions
• Computer models predict hazardous conditions
• Storm spotters report ground observations
• Automated systems detect lightning or flash flood conditions

The decision to issue warnings balances the need for advance notice against the risk of false alarms. The National Weather Service Warning Criteria specifies the exact thresholds used for different alert types.

Alert Delivery Infrastructure

A complex technical infrastructure ensures alerts reach the public quickly.

Components of the alert delivery system:

• Weather satellites providing real-time data
• Doppler radar networks detecting precipitation and wind patterns
• Automated observation stations measuring conditions
• High-speed computing systems processing data
• Redundant communication networks transmitting alerts
• Last-mile delivery systems reaching end users

This infrastructure is designed with multiple backup systems to operate during disasters when normal communication channels may fail.

Future of Weather Alerts

Weather alert technology continues to evolve with new capabilities.

Emerging alert technologies:

• Hyper-local alerts for specific neighborhoods or even blocks
• AI-powered personalized risk assessments
• Augmented reality visualizations of approaching weather
• Integration with smart city infrastructure
• Wearable devices that vibrate or alert during emergencies
• Autonomous vehicles that reroute based on weather alerts

The National Weather Service Weather-Ready Nation initiative is working to improve alert dissemination through new technologies and community partnerships.

Alert Systems by Region

Weather threats vary by geography, affecting which alert systems are most important.

Coastal Areas

Coastal regions face unique threats requiring specialized alert systems.

Priority coastal alerts:

• Hurricane warnings and evacuation orders
• Storm surge information
• Tsunami alerts
• High surf advisories
• Coastal flood warnings
• Rip current statements

The National Hurricane Center and NWS Tsunami Warning System provide specialized alerts for coastal hazards.

Midwest and Plains

The central U.S. experiences frequent severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.

Priority Midwest alerts:

• Tornado warnings
• Severe thunderstorm warnings
• Flash flood warnings
• Blizzard warnings
• Extreme cold alerts
• Derecho warnings

Communities in these regions often maintain extensive outdoor warning siren networks in addition to digital alerts.

Mountain Regions

Mountainous areas face unique weather challenges due to terrain.

Priority mountain region alerts:

• Avalanche warnings
• Winter storm warnings
• Flash flood warnings
• High wind advisories
• Wildfire alerts
• Sudden weather change notifications

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center and similar regional organizations provide specialized mountain hazard alerts.

Urban Areas

Dense urban environments have specific alert needs and capabilities.

Urban alert considerations:

• Mass transit disruption notifications
• City infrastructure impact alerts
• Power outage information
• Shelter locations during emergencies
• Water system alerts
• Building-specific emergency information

Many large cities operate their own emergency alert systems with highly localized information for specific neighborhoods or blocks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be charged for weather alerts?

Most government weather alerts are free to receive. While standard text messaging rates might apply for some SMS-based services, Wireless Emergency Alerts don’t count against messaging plans. Some premium weather apps charge subscription fees for enhanced alert features, but free alternatives are always available.

Why did I receive an alert for a nearby county?

Alert areas are often based on storm movement rather than precise county lines. If a dangerous storm is approaching your location from a neighboring county, you may receive an alert before it crosses the county line. This provides more advance warning time but can sometimes result in alerts for storms that ultimately don’t reach your exact location.

Can I get alerts in languages other than English?

Increasingly, yes. The Wireless Emergency Alert system now supports Spanish language alerts, and many local notification systems offer multiple language options. The FEMA app provides information in both English and Spanish, and numerous weather apps offer multiple language settings.

Why don’t I receive alerts when I know severe weather is happening?

Several factors might prevent alert delivery:

• Your device’s emergency alert settings may be disabled
• You may be in an area with poor cell reception
• The specific alert may not meet the threshold for emergency distribution
• Your device may be incompatible with certain alert types
• Local infrastructure may be affected by the weather event itself

How can I stop getting alerts in the middle of the night?

Most smartphones allow you to set “quiet hours” or “do not disturb” modes while still allowing emergency alerts to come through. Some weather apps also let you set different notification thresholds for day versus night. However, for the most dangerous weather events like tornadoes, experts recommend keeping alerts enabled 24/7.

Do weather alerts work if my phone is on airplane mode?

Generally, no. Wireless Emergency Alerts require an active connection to cell towers. If your phone is in airplane mode, these alerts cannot be delivered. During severe weather, it’s best to keep at least cellular connectivity enabled even if you disable WiFi and Bluetooth.

Privacy and Security Considerations

Data Collection for Alert Systems

Alert systems require certain information to function effectively.

Typical data collected:

• Location information (address or GPS coordinates)
• Contact details (phone numbers, email addresses)
• Notification preferences
• Device information
• Usage patterns

Government alert systems like those operated by FEMA and the National Weather Service are subject to the Privacy Act of 1974 and publish privacy impact assessments detailing how they handle personal information.

Phishing and Scam Alerts

Unfortunately, scammers sometimes exploit weather emergencies through fake alerts.

How to identify legitimate alerts:

• Official Wireless Emergency Alerts have a special appearance and sound
• Government alerts don’t contain attachments or request personal information
• Legitimate alerts direct you to official websites (.gov domains)
• Real alerts won’t ask for financial information
• Official sources won’t send executable files or links to download apps

If you receive a suspicious weather alert, verify the information through official channels like Weather.gov before taking action.

Opting Out of Non-Critical Alerts

While critical warnings shouldn’t be disabled, you can reduce less urgent notifications.

Alert types that can be limited:

• Special Weather Statements (non-emergency updates)
• Minor flood advisories for areas that don’t affect you
• Winter Weather Advisories (as opposed to more serious Warnings)
• “Heads up” style alerts about potential weather days in advance
• Test messages and system trials

Most weather apps allow granular control over which alert types trigger notifications, letting you focus on the most relevant information for your situation.

Weather Alerts for Businesses and Organizations

Business Continuity Planning

Organizations have special needs for weather alerts to protect operations.

Business weather alert considerations:

• Employee notification systems
• Customer communication procedures
• Supply chain disruption alerts
• Facility protection protocols
• Backup system activation triggers
• Insurance notification requirements

The Small Business Administration provides resources to help businesses develop comprehensive emergency alert and response plans.

Community Organization Alert Systems

Churches, nonprofits, and community groups often need specialized alert capabilities.

Community organization alert needs:

• Mass notification to members or constituents
• Facility closure announcements
• Event cancellation procedures
• Volunteer activation systems
• Resource distribution information
• Vulnerable population check-in systems

Many community organizations qualify for discounted or free access to emergency notification platforms through government partnerships or nonprofit pricing.

School and University Alert Systems

Educational institutions require robust alert systems for student and staff safety.

Education-specific alert considerations:

• Parent/guardian notification procedures
• Campus-wide emergency announcement systems
• Weather-related closure protocols
• Athletic event safety monitoring
• Transportation system alerts
• Coordination with local emergency management

The Department of Education’s Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools program provides comprehensive guidance for educational institutions.

Preparing to Act on Weather Alerts

Creating an Emergency Kit

Alerts provide warning, but you need supplies to respond effectively.

Basic emergency kit contents:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days)
• Non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Cell phone chargers and backup batteries
• Necessary medications
• Personal hygiene items
• Important documents in waterproof container

The Ready.gov Build a Kit page provides comprehensive guidance on emergency supplies for different scenarios.

Developing Response Plans

Knowing what to do when alerts arrive saves precious time during emergencies.

Key elements of a weather response plan:

• Designated shelter locations for different hazards
• Evacuation routes and meeting points
• Communication procedures during emergencies
• Roles and responsibilities for family members
• Considerations for pets and livestock
• Special needs accommodations

Practice your response plans regularly so everyone knows exactly what to do when alerts are received.

After-Action Assessment

After receiving and responding to alerts, evaluate what worked and what didn’t.

Post-event questions to consider:

• Did you receive alerts with sufficient lead time?
• Were the alerts clear and actionable?
• Did everyone in your household/organization receive the alerts?
• Was your response appropriate to the threat?
• Did your emergency supplies meet your needs?
• What would you do differently next time?

Using these assessments to refine your alert settings and response plans improves your preparedness for future events.

Resources and Additional Information

Government Resources

Official government sources provide authoritative information on weather alerts.

Key government resources:

• Weather.gov – Official National Weather Service site
• Ready.gov – FEMA’s emergency preparedness site
• FCC Emergency Alert System – Information on alerts via broadcast media
• NOAA Weather Radio – Details on the weather radio network
• FEMA Mobile App – Alerts and emergency information
• DisasterAssistance.gov – Recovery resources after disasters

State Emergency Management Agencies

Each state maintains its own emergency management office with state-specific alert information.

Finding your state resources:

1. Visit the FEMA State Offices and Agencies directory
2. Select your state
3. Navigate to the emergency management agency website
4. Look for sections about alerts or notifications
5. Register for state-specific alert systems

Community Weather Programs

Several programs help communities improve their weather preparedness.

Notable community weather programs:

• Storm Ready Communities
• Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors
• Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)
• Skywarn Storm Spotter Program
• Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network

These programs provide training, resources, and recognition for communities that develop robust weather alert and response capabilities.

Weather alerts are a critical line of defense against natural hazards, providing the advance warning needed to take protective action. By understanding the available alert systems, setting up appropriate notifications, and preparing to act on warnings, you can significantly reduce your risk during severe weather events. With a combination of technology, planning, and awareness, you can ensure that you never miss a critical alert when seconds matter most.

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.