During severe weather or rolling power blackouts, you may not be able to check for safety updates on your phone, TV or computer. If the internet is down, your phone battery’s dead or you have to leave your house for shelter, having a special battery- or hand-powered weather radio that transmits NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) can keep you up to date without needing Wi-Fi or an outlet.
From the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Service, the NWR is a nationwide network of radio stations that broadcast continuous weather warnings, watches and forecasts and general hazard information like earthquakes and volcano activity as well as non-weather related issues like hazardous chemical spills or child abduction announcements. For 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it broadcasts across seven different VHF frequencies ranging from 162.400 MHz to 162.550 MHz, so it demands a specific type of radio.
According to NWR, the network has more than 850 transmitters that cover all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the U.S. Pacific Territories. Each transmitter covers a 40-mile radius, giving you local coverage and updates. Programming is generally repeated throughout the day, every few minutes, going over the local forecast as well as general climate date and info on regional conditions and water. In emergencies, this programming is interrupted with updates such as tornado warnings.
Some weather radios have Specific Area Message Encoding, known as SAME, which you’ll want to get if you’re looking for hyper-local coverage. This allows you to program your receiver for your specific county so you will be alerted for weather or emergencies related to your area. Otherwise, your radio will pick up and alert you for any updates within that 40-mile radius.
To help you pick the best weather radio for you, here are some of the NOAA and National Weather Service’s top picks, as well as some highly-rated newer models.
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Promising review: "This was a GREAT purchase and I would encourage anyone looking for a weather radio to purchase this one. It arrived promptly, was easy to program, and has already proven its reliability since it arrived the 1st of June. This has been an active severe weather month here in Minnesota and we have used it three time already this month. The alarm and flashing lights even woke us up at 3AM when a severe thunderstorm pasted through Minneapolis. We also turn it on in the morning to get the latest weather forecast for the day. Don't hesitate to purchase this radio if you are interested in a weather alert radio." — W. MINER
Promising review: "This weather radio we bought to replace one we’ve had for years, it’s sturdy, dependable and I love that even if the power goes out the battery will let it continue to work. Now especially with all the crazy weather and storms I feel better by at least knowing I’ll have a heads up before a storm hits." — Amazon customer
Promising review: "I really like this little piece of emergency equipment. Multiple ways of keeping it charged, thus keeping you in the know. Phone, radio, weather, alarms, & light. Basics are met. Good little product." — Amazon customer
Promising review: "My kaito voyager was just what I needed when my power goes out. Louisiana has been hit hard with bad weather and hurricanes. Must have item for me." — robin deville
Promising review: "I was totally surprised of how this little gem puts out great sound. Love to keep informed of my local weather. And I don’t have to worry about the batteries dying. I just crank it up and I’m good to go. I used the light several times when my electricity went out. I love it. Thank you" — Lake
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