NWR alarm features normally run tests each Wednesday between 10 a.m. and noon local time. Tests may occur at other days and times when there is a threat of severe weather in the listening area or for other reasons. Immediately after sounding the test alarm, the following message is read:

"This is the National Weather Service Office in (local city name). The preceding signal was a test of the Weather Radio Station (...call sign...'s) public warning system. During potentially dangerous weather situations, specially built receivers can be automatically activated by this signal to warn of the impending hazard. Tests of this signal and receivers' performance are normally conducted by the National Weather Service at (...time... )each Wednesday. If there is a threat of severe weather, the test will be postponed to the next available good-weather day. Reception of this broadcast, and especially the warning alarm, will vary at any given location. This variability, normally more noticeable at greater distances from the transmitter, can occur even though you are using a good quality receiver in good working order. To provide the most consistent and dependable warning service possible, the warning alarm will be activated for hazardous watches and warnings for the following counties...(list of counties)..."

Where more than one state is involved, the state name will always precede the names of the counties in that state. If the test was missed during the scheduled time frame, then the test normally takes place between 10 a.m. to noon on the next available good-weather day. If you have any questions regarding alarm tests or to verify if a test was conducted, contact the programming office of the NOAA Weather Radio station.