Douglas County NOAA Weather Radios Offline: Storm Caution Urged

Severe weather Threat looms Over Douglas County, Kansas During Critical Radio Upgrade

Lawrence,Kansas – douglas county Emergency Management officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and weather aware as the National Weather Service (NWS) conducts crucial upgrades to its NOAA Weather Radio transmitters this week.

The upgrade, taking place between Monday, june 16th, and Wednesday, June 18th, coincides with a forecast predicting potential severe storms in the region. This confluence of events makes it critical for residents to have option methods for receiving weather alerts.

NOAA Weather Radio Upgrade: What You Need To Know

Two NWS transmitters serving Douglas County will be temporarily offline: the topeka transmitter (WXK91 – 162.475 MHz) and the Halls Summit transmitter (KGG98 – 162.425 MHz). While the Kansas City transmitter (KID77 – 162.550 MHz) will remain operational, its coverage may not extend to all areas of the county.

The NWS has confirmed that weather watches, warnings, and advisories will continue to be issued throughout the upgrade period. This commitment ensures that critical information will still be available despite the transmitter downtime.

Severe Weather Forecast: Timing and Threats

The Topeka branch of the National Weather Service anticipates a series of storms to impact Douglas County starting Monday evening and continuing through Tuesday. The greatest risk for severe weather is predicted for Tuesday evening and overnight.

Residents should prepare for the possibility of damaging winds, large hail, heavy rainfall leading to localized flooding, and even a few tornadoes. Staying informed is paramount.

Alternative Alerting Methods During the Upgrade

With NOAA Weather Radio transmitters offline, Douglas County Emergency management is emphasizing alternative methods for receiving weather alerts.

• Northeast Kansas Regional Notification System: Sign up for text and email alerts at https://dgcoks.gov/emalerts.
• Local Media: Monitor local TV and radio broadcasts for the latest weather updates.
• Weather Apps: Utilize weather apps on smartphones for real-time notifications.

Douglas county Emergency Management will actively monitor conditions and disseminate alerts via their social media channels. Follow @dgcoem on Facebook and X for up-to-the-minute information.

Outdoor Warning Sirens: What To Expect

If a tornado warning is issued for Douglas County, outdoor warning sirens will be activated. These sirens are specifically designed for outdoor notification and may not be audible indoors.

Pro Tip: For indoor alerts, rely on the alternative methods mentioned above, such as weather apps and the regional notification system.

Key Contacts and Resources

Stay connected with local resources for the latest updates and information:

• Douglas County Emergency Management: https://dgcoks.gov/emalerts
• National weather Service Topeka: https://www.weather.gov/top/

Weather Alert Systems: A Comparison

System	Coverage Area	Notification Method	Best Use Case
NOAA Weather Radio	Specific Transmitters	audio Broadcast	Outdoor alerts; backup system
Northeast Kansas Regional Notification system	Regional	Text/Email	Indoor alerts; personalized updates
Local TV/Radio	Regional	Broadcast Audio/Visual	General awareness; during power outages
Weather Apps	Location-Based	Push Notifications	Real-time, location-specific alerts

Understanding severe Weather Terminology

ItS crucial to understand the difference between a weather “watch” and a “warning.” A watch means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop in the area. A warning means that severe weather is imminent or is already occurring and poses a threat to life and property.

Did You Know? The National Weather service uses Doppler radar to detect the movement of precipitation particles, which can indicate the presence of a tornado.

Staying Safe During a Tornado

If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter immediately. The safest place to be is in a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Cover your head and neck with your arms to protect yourself from debris.

Preparing a Weather Emergency Kit

Every household should have a weather emergency kit containing essential supplies such as:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days)
• Non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• whistle to signal for help
• dust mask to help filter contaminated air
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place
• moist towelettes,garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food

Frequently Asked Questions About Weather Alerts in Douglas County

Are you prepared for severe weather? What steps have you taken to ensure you receive timely alerts?

Share your thoughts and preparedness tips in the comments below.

What alternative weather alert methods are recommended if my NOAA weather radio is offline?

Douglas County NOAA Weather Radios Offline: Stay Safe During Storms

Residents of Douglas County should take immediate action to ensure their safety as NOAA weather radios are experiencing outages. This critical alert emphasizes the importance of staying informed during potentially hazardous weather conditions. This article provides vital information on how to stay updated and prepared during a severe weather event, even when primary weather alert systems are unavailable.With the weather radar down, securing alternative methods is critical.

Why Your NOAA Weather Radio Matters

NOAA Weather Radios are a cornerstone of emergency preparedness in the United States. They provide continuous broadcasts of weather information directly from the National Weather Service (NWS). These radios are designed to alert you to extreme weather events like tornadoes,hurricanes,severe thunderstorms,and flash floods. When your primary source of alerts is down it is crucial to be aware of alternative sources.

Benefits of a Working Weather Radio

• Instant Alerts: Receive immediate notifications of hazardous conditions.
• Local Information: Get specific weather updates for your area.
• Reliability: Operates even when other communication networks are down (until the tower is offline).
• Peace of Mind: Helps you feel prepared and informed during severe weather.

Alternative Ways to Get Weather Alerts in Douglas County

With NOAA weather radios potentially offline, Douglas County residents need to utilize alternative methods for receiving weather updates. Here’s a breakdown of reliable sources:

1.Weather Apps and Websites

Utilize reliable weather apps and websites that provide up-to-the-minute local forecasts, weather radar, and severe weather alerts. Some suggestions include:

• The Weather Channel: Offers comprehensive forecasts and real time radar views. visit weather.com.
• AccuWeather: Provides detailed weather conditions and alerts.Visit Accuweather.com.
• National Weather Service (NWS): The official source for forecasts and warnings. Explore weather.gov.

2.Local News Outlets

Tune into local news channels (TV and radio) for emergency broadcasts and updates which is especially useful when looking for radar and any news of an active storm.

3. Social Media

Many local emergency management agencies and news outlets provide up-to-date information on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

4. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

WEA is a system that sends emergency alerts to mobile phones. Ensure your phone’s alert settings are enabled to receive these critical warnings.

Severe Weather Preparedness Tips

Regardless of whether your NOAA weather radio is working, it is vital always to have a plan to prepare for severe weather. Here are some tips:

Action	Description
Create an Emergency Kit	Include essentials such as water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and a battery-powered radio.
Develop a Family Emergency Plan	Discuss where to go in case of severe weather,how to contact each other,and emergency meeting locations.
identify Safe rooms	Designate a safe space in your home, such as an interior room or basement, to shelter during a storm.
Monitor Weather Updates Frequently	Stay informed about potential weather hazards using multiple sources.
Secure Outdoor Objects	Bring in or secure any loose items that could become projectiles during high winds.

What to Do During a Storm

When a storm is active:

• Seek Shelter Instantly: Go inside to a safe location. If caught outside, find a sturdy building for shelter.
• Stay Away from Windows and Doors: These can be hazards during high winds.
• Avoid Electrical Appliances: During a storm, unplug electronics to prevent damage from power surges.
• Report Damage Safely: Once the storm has passed check the damage and make sure it is safe before reporting.

Conclusion

The temporary unavailability of douglas County NOAA weather radios underscores the importance of having multiple sources of weather information. by following these guidelines and utilizing alternative alert systems,residents can significantly enhance their preparedness and safety during severe weather events. Remember, staying informed and proactive is the best way to protect yourself and your family.