Will your phone alert of a tornado warning? What phones can do it and how to configure it

At the start of this week, central parts of the United States faced severe storms with snow, wind, and heavy rain following extreme weather last week. The tornadoes that have swept the United States have been some of the most severe on record. The images of the destruction shed light on the severity of the storms.

In light of the recent severe storms and tornadoes that have swept the United States, the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system has proven to be a crucial tool in our nation’s emergency preparedness and response effort. It shares vital messages about everything from dangerous weather to missing children, ensuring that you stay informed and safe.

The WEA system “allows customers who own compatible mobile devices to receive geographically targeted, text-like messages alerting them of imminent threats to safety in their area.”

Fortunately, setting up the WEA system on your mobile device is a straightforward process that puts you in control of your safety. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure you receive alerts about tornadoes and other events. Here’s what you need to know…

What alerts will you get from WEA?

Remember, activating your device’s WEA setting ensures you receive all emergency alerts in your location, providing a comprehensive safety net. It’s not just about tornado alerts. When your phone is in an area with extreme weather or any other threat, it will vibrate and sound a loud emergency tone, keeping you well-informed and secure.

Weather alerts are the most common, but they will only be issued when a potential threat to life exists. In addition to tornado warnings, the WEA system alerts recipients to flash floods and severe thunderstorms.

Mobile alerts are typically reserved for sudden and short-term emergencies that may otherwise surprise residents.