Why You Need a Weather Radio With Cord Cutting and Where to Get One

Jess Barnes

5 years ago

Most of us rely on TV or internet to give us weather updates day to day. But, when there’s extreme weather in your area, those communication networks are extremely vulnerable to the conditions. Superstorm Sandy is just one example. When the storm hit the east coast, many New Yorkers were without power and cell phone service for days.

As a cord cutter, when you lose your internet connection, you’ll also lose access to the televised weather updates that could help you stay safe. There are a few options to ensure that you still have access to important information. First, using an antenna will give most households at least a handful of local channels. If you have a radio, you’ll likely also get local coverage there.

The other option is choosing a weather radio. Weather alert radios do not require charging and will work in all weather conditions.

The National Weather Service has a dedicated radio station which transmits from over 1,000 antennas around the country, providing information from the closest National Weather Station location. The coverage includes all 50 states. On this station, weather information is consistently played on a loop. Alerts for severe weather interrupt regular programming.

Weather alert radios will pick up the frequencies the make up the “weather band” – giving access to the regular programming and alerts in your area. No internet connection, television signals, or electricity required.

These are some of the top-rated weather alert radios from Amazon (listed by price, low to high, for easier browsing.)

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