NOAA Weather Radio

NOAA Weather Radio is a service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the Department of Commerce. NOAA Weather Radio provides continuous broadcasts of the latest weather information directly from the National Weather Service offices across the country. Weather messages are taped and run in a cycle lasting on an average of four to six minutes, and are updated frequently throughout the day. The NOAA Weather Radio network broadcasts from over 400 FM transmitters across the country on seven frequencies in the VHF band, ranging from 162.40 to 162.55 MHz above the commercial FM band. Eighteen NOAA Weather Radio stations broadcast in Washington.

During severe weather, the National Weather Service can interrupt the routine weather broadcasts and air special flood, weather watch, warning, or advisory messages. Specially designated warning receivers can be activated. Such receivers either sound an alarm indicating that an emergency exists, alerting the listener to turn the receiver up to audible volume, or, when operated in mutated mode, are automatically turned on so that the warning message is heard. "Warning Alarm" receivers are especially valuable for homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, public-safety agencies, and news media offices.

Under a January 1995 White House policy statement, NOAA Weather Radio was designated the SOLE government operated radio station to provide direct warning information into private homes and businesses for both natural disasters and nuclear attack. This includes hazardous conditions that pose a threat to life and safety, both at a local and national level.

NOAA weather radio broadcasts are made on one of seven high-band FM frequencies ranging from 162.40 to 162.55 MHz. These frequencies are usually not found on the average radio, but require a specially built receiver to pick up the broadcasts.

NOAA weather radio broadcasts can usually be heard as far away as 40 miles from the antenna site, often further. The effective range depends on many factors, including height of the antenna, terrain, quality of the receiver, and atmospheric conditions.

NOAA Weather Radio listings in Washington and Surrounding Areas are located above.

NOAA weather radios can be purchased at Radio Shack and many other electronics stores nationwide. Prices will most likely vary from location to location, and will also depend on the type of radio you buy. Most receivers can be purchased for around $15 to $30.

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