Types of NOAA Weather Radios

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios use a special receiver to tune into National Weather Service (NWS) broadcasts 24/7. This alert system network is the single most immediate source for comprehensive weather and emergency information available to the public. NOAA weather radios broadcast warning & post-event information for a wide variety of hazards and emergencies. These radios provide you and your loved ones with instant access to the same weather reports and emergency information that meteorologists and emergency personnel use.

Weather Band Radios vs. Weather Alert Radios

While all weather radios use the NOAA Weather Radio Network, not all radios instantly warn you of potential danger. Weather band radios require being powered on and tuned to a local weather station to receive alerts. A weather alert radio automatically & instantly alerts you whether the device is on or not. When an alert is broadcasted, a weather alert radio will automatically override all other radio functions temporarily switching to the NOAA weather radio channel and broadcast warnings, alerts, and post-event information.

While NOAA is a scientific agency within the U.S. government and does not manufacture their own radios, it does permit companies (like Midland) to use the NOAA logo on qualified radios capable of receiving the NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) emergency broadcast signal. Weather alert radios with the agency logo have been tested & qualify to receive emergency broadcast signals & alerts.

When shopping for a weather radio, look for the two most important features:

1. Designated weather alert radio
2. The NOAA logo

All of Midland's weather alert radios have the NOAA logo. 

Desktop Radio

A desktop radio is one of the most common types of NOAA weather alert radios. They are perfect for your home or office. These radios maximize the information you receive by allowing you to customize your location and alert types. You can choose your type of alert from display, voice, or tone. Choose the "Display" alert and only a text alert will scroll on the display and no audible alarm will sound. If you choose the "Voice" alert, then the alert tone will sound for 8seconds followed by the broadcast. If you select the "Tone" alert option, then the alert tone will sound for 3 minutes or until you push any button. Our radios feature an 85-decibel siren, but for the hearing impaired, you can use a visual alert system with our attachable strobe light or the Midland Pillow shaker, which products a physical sensation when an alert sounds. 

The WR120 is a Midland classic and the most popular NOAA weather radio in North America. This radio is simple to set up and has 60 different programmable alerts. 

Another popular desktop Midland weather alert radio is the WR400 Deluxe. This radio comes with all the bells & whistles. It features 80 different programmable alerts as well as a USB port for charging your devices in emergency situations. 

Both of these radios are powered by an AC outlet with a battery backup power source, so you can stay informed even during a power outage.

Hand Crank Radio

One of the best additions to your emergency prep kit is a hand crank radio. They provide the same instant alerts as a desktop radio, but they are compact & portable. Our ER310 is our all-in-one must-have NOAA weather radio. It is multipurpose with a bright Cree LED flashlight, USB port for charging some mobile devices, SOS flashlight beacon, and even an ultrasonic dog whistle. Our crank radios offer multiple power options: solar panel, hand crank, AA batteries, and a long-lasting rechargeable lithium-ion battery. You can quickly recharge the device when power is available and have the backup charging options when it's not.

Don't wait until disaster strikes! Be aware of what types of alerts require you to take action, like a tornado watch vs. a warning. With a NOAA weather radio, you can stay informed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.