Local weather changes from day to day. However, sometimes it can change in a matter of moments. Want to keep yourself informed on weather conditions and possible weather emergencies? Want to get that information in a quick message rather than needing to look it up? You are in luck! There are several ways to receive weather notifications via text message.
CMAS or WEA
The best way to receive local weather alerts is through the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). This service used to be called the Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS). The notifications are sent by the National Weather Service. You can register for these alerts by searching for WEA or CMAS in your mobile phone’s SMS settings.
You can also register for the alerts by dialing ##2627##. However, before you do this you need to make sure that your phone is WEA enabled.
Emergency Broadcasts
Android phones now have Emergency Broadcasts on all their mobile phones due to FCC standards. This service sends you notifications about severe weather and other emergencies in your area. These alerts are a default setting on your phone. You do not need to do anything to start receiving them. If you think your phone isn’t sending you the alerts you can check by following the steps below.
- Open the Settings on your phone.
- Search for Emergency Alerts.
- A list will come up with the types of alerts that are enabled on your phone. You can choose which alerts you receive and disable the others.
Register for Alerts with your Employer
Some employers have a system to alert their employees through mass texting. Sometimes the messages they send out are weather-related. You can see if your employer has a system like that and register for them.
The Weather Channel
One of the best ways to get weather-related alerts is through The Weather Channel. This app will forecast weather and other related issues. You can set up the app so that it sends you warnings about any impending weather emergency. You can enter your location to personalize the app. You can also enter locations that you frequently travel to so you can be prepared for all types of situations.
weatherUSA Alerts
weatherUSA will send out real-time alerts every time there is a weather-related issue in your area. These alerts are sent to you any time a federal agency releases information about an emergency. These alerts can be received as text messages or emails. You can personalize it to receive county or state weather warnings. In addition, you can receive notifications about tropical storms and hurricanes.
The service also has a “quiet time” setting. You can turn off the notifications so you aren’t receiving them when you are trying to sleep or at other times where you need your phone to be silent.
Weather Radio
Weather Radio is one of the best weather alert apps. Besides sending you notifications about severe weather, it can read out the alerts to you. This is helpful when you’re driving or in other situations where you cannot read what is on your phone. The app can be customized as to which alerts you receive.
You can choose to receive alerts about only high winds or you can receive all weather alerts. Weather Radio does have a small subscription fee. If you want to receive notifications about lightning strikes then there is an additional yearly fee. There are many ways to receive weather notifications on your mobile phone. You just need to pick which one is best for you. Try one for a month or so and then try a different app, so you can figure out which alert system is best for you.
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