National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Scattered Severe Thunderstorms Across the Northern Plains; Fire Weather Concerns in the Western U.S.

Scattered severe thunderstorms are forecast across central and eastern North Dakota, as well as far northwest Minnesota Saturday (Slight Risk level 2 of 5). Damaging wind gusts are the primary threat. Elevated to critical fire weather conditions will persist through the weekend across the Western U.S. Isolated dry thunderstorms could lead to new fire starts over portions of the northern Rockies. Read More >

What is NOAA Weather Radio?     

picture of noaa weather radio receiverNOAA Weather Radio is a service of NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The broadcasts originate from local National Weather Service Offices around the country and broadcast continuous weather information 24 hours a day 7 days a week. In addition, other natural disasters and national emergencies are broadcast when appropriate.

At the National Weather Service Office in Fort Worth the information broadcast is tailored to the weather needs of the people of North Texas. Routine programming include a short term weather forecast, a 7 day forecast for the listening area and hourly weather information. In times of hazardous weather, special products, such as watches, warnings, special weather statements and outlooks will be broadcast.

One of the unique features of NOAA Weather Radio is the ability to receive up to the second information on severe weather, such as severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and flash floods. Many weather Radio receivers are equipped with a tone alert feature. These receivers will either sound an alarm, or when operated in muted mode, will be automatically turned on so that the warning message will be heard. These tone alerts are activated by the National Weather Office where all severe weather warnings originate.

The National Weather Service Office in Fort Worth operates 13 Radio consoles broadcasting from 13 transmitters located across North Texas.