SHEBOYGAN COUNTY, WI (WHBL) - We continue our series of stories for Wisconsin’s Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week with the expanding ways to warn people of dangerous weather. In addition to sirens, weather radios, and announcements on radio and TV stations, extreme weather alerts can be sent free to your cell phone.
Sheboygan County Emergency Management Director Steven Steinhardt says Wireless Emergency Alerts are a partnership with the National Weather Service and wireless companies. "Anytime there’s a tornado warning; if a cell tower is located in that area it will send a message to every cell phone, if you have a smart phone, within the radius of that cell tower," says Steinhardt.
The message is similar to a text, and can also be sent out for flash floods and extreme winds. It can also be used for an AMBER Alert, which has been done once in Wisconsin.
A cell phone can also be used to download an app that sends you alerts for severe weather events you choose. Steinhardt says whether the app is free or paid for, most only work when a cell phone is on.
You can learn more about the severe weather can be found with this webpage: http://www.weather.gov/mkx/severe_weather_awareness