I got a little emergency radio for storms and I was wondering about tuning into the weather radio. It looks like 162.550 is for my area… is that right?
The question came from the Twin Cities area, so yes, 162.550 MHz is the right frequency to receive weather alerts in the Twin Cities. (The Minneapolis station is KEC65.)
For those not familiar, NOAA Weather Radio is a 24-hour audio service that broadcasts on frequencies outside of the traditional AM and FM bands. Many weather radios have alarms that can sound if a weather warning or watch is broadcast over the station (but be ready, some of the alarms are VERY LOUD!)
When they’re not broadcasting active watches and warnings, NOAA Weather Radio stations repeat a loop of automated voices giving weather forecasts, current conditions, and other forecast products and information issued by the local National Weather Service office.
When a weather alert is issued, regular programming is interrupted for an Emergency Alert System code followed by a tone, which is what triggers your radio’s alarm to sound. (AM/FM radio stations and TV stations monitor NOAA Weather Radio to receive Emergency Alert System messages.)
Keep in mind your radio’s alarm will also sound during a weekly test, usually conducted on Wednesdays.
NOAA Weather Radio is broadcast on seven frequencies between 162.400 and 162.550 MHz. So how do you figure out which one you should be monitoring, especially since some locations can receive multiple stations?
The best way is to go to the County Coverage Listings by State on the NOAA Weather Radio page. There, you can see each frequency that will carry warnings for your county, and you can find the one that comes in best at your location.
Canada also operates a Weatheradio network, with information provided in both English and French.
One downside of alerts via NOAA Weather Radio is that your alarm will sound any time an alert is issued anywhere within the weather radio station’s coverage area. The solution to this is SAME coding contained in some more expensive radios. You program the radio with your county’s SAME code (found on the county coverage page) and it will only sound if an alert is issued for your county.
What about online streaming? NOAA does not stream Weather Radio stations directly, but since it is in the public domain, some people stream the stations on their own. One collection of streams can be found at www.noaaweatherradio.org.
Of course, there are many other ways of getting weather warnings in our current day and age, but having a NOAA Weather Radio ensures that you will be able to continue receiving the most up-to-date emergency information even if you lose power and the cellular network goes down. It’s also very useful if you’re in a location without cellular service.
Do you have a question about broadcasting? Email jonellis@northpine.com and I’ll do my best to find an answer!
READ: More Ask NorthPine questions and answers
SEE ALSO: Wikipedia page on NOAA Weather Radio