How to stay informed when severe weather heads your way: Video

The best way to prepare for severe weather is to know when it’s coming. Some people say they can feel it in their bones when it’s going to rain, or they may be familiar enough with where they live that they notice the atmospheric changes that signal the perfect conditions for a dangerous storm.

One of the most foolproof ways to know when severe weather is en route or likely to form is simply to have your smartphone. There are many different ways the handheld device can track approaching weather systems, access important information from the professionals and make you aware of it with a notification.

In addition to your phone and an external power bank to keep it charged, it’s also worth having a weather radio in your home. Unlike smartphones, these don’t need WiFi or cellular service to pick up and broadcast important weather information.

Watch this video to see how your phone can help you stay alert when severe weather heads your way.

Weather radar 

Weather radars show the path the weather is taking. This can mean showing when light rain may sprinkle down in your area or when a severe front is coming through, bringing heavy rain, winds and conditions primed for tornadoes. Many weather apps, including the ones that come on your smartphone, have a way to view the radar. There may be also be different viewing options, like a next-hour forecast or a 12-hour forecast. Websites like Accuweather, The National Weather Service and The Weather Channel can also provide you with these radars. Plus, they may also have commentary from meteorologists warning you of what you may or may not expect. If you’re looking for a more local forecast, check what your local news stations are saying. Some outlets may also have weather-specific apps, social media pages for meteorologists or share town-specific information from national forecasters in a way that’s easier to understand. They may even have up-to-the-minute breakdowns of when the storms are expected to arrive in your area.

Severe weather notifications 

Android and iPhone devices have a built-in setting that will notify you of any nearby emergencies or public safety alerts, complete with an incredibly loud sound to accompany it. The goal is to get your attention or wake you up, and it works. You can toggle different Government Alerts on or off under the Notifications settings on an iPhone and in the Safety & emergency page on Android.You can also turn on push notifications for instant updates any time your local meteorologist, news station or your city’s emergency management page shares relevant information on their social media pages. Your local newspaper or television news station may offer a way to connect you with journalists in your area to get text message updates on weather warnings, local services, and more. The Asheville Citizen Times offered this service to members of their community in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.  

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How to safely shelter from storms

When it comes to storms, staying protected can be easy if you are prepared and know what to do. When severe weather is brewing, it's not uncommon to hear forecasters mention a “watch” and/or a “warning” when talking about storms like tornadoes and hurricanes. According to the National Weather Service, the difference between the two is: 

• "Watch" indicates the conditions are favorable for a tornado or hurricane.
• "Warning" indicates a tornado or hurricane has been sighted or indicated on a weather radar. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends sheltering from tornadoes by:

• Seeking shelter in a basement, storm shelter or interior room, ideally on the lowest level of the building. 
• Staying away from windows and doors. 
• Using your arms to cover your head and neck, and surrounding yourself with furniture and blankets. 
• If you are in a vehicle, do not try to outrun the storm. Do not seek shelter under a bridge or overpass. 

For hurricanes, there is often time to evacuate before it makes landfall. Listen to local officials and be ready to evacuate if directed. 

If you are sheltering in place during a hurricane, the National Weather Service recommends: 

• Boarding up your windows. 
• Seeking shelter in an interior room, closet or hallway. The goal is to put as many walls between you and the outside.
• Avoiding sheltering in rooms with windows, skylights and glass doors.