8 Best Rated Weather Radios for Tornado Warnings

W hen severe weather strikes, many areas are left without power. Networks may go down, making your phone and laptop useless, as they won’t be able to deliver important information or alert you. Here’s where a weather radio proves its efficiency as it runs on batteries or charges by hand with the help of a crank.

Intended for emergencies, these devices follow the alerts issued by the NOAA and inform you if you are in danger through a sound alarm, LED flashes, or both.

How to Use a Ham Radio in an Emergency

There are several methods to use the ham radio depending on the emergency at hand. However, there are some principles that you must follow regardless of the nature of your distress situation, namely:

• Keeping yourself, the people around you, and belongings safe and secure before responding;
• Monitoring the main emergency frequencies;
• Following instructions you receive from the official on the frequency;
• Checking up with the local emergency communications designee to receive instructions.

Make sure that regardless of the nature of your emergency and situation that you’re in, you stay as relaxed as possible so that you can follow through with the steps needed to get out of danger without making matters worse.

How to report an accident/incident using the ham repeater’s autopatch:

• Turn the output power to the maximum and when you get the first chance, clearly say “Break” or “Break emergency”.
• When the frequency is clear and you can make yourself properly heard, explain that you would like to report an emergency.
• Warn that you are making an emergency autopatch and then activate the autopatch system. If you can’t do it, ask someone else to make the emergency relay to 911 for you.
• Dial 911 and state your name, specifying that you are using an amateur radio to disclose the emergency.
• Follow the instructions you receive from the operator. When the operator finishes, you can release the autopatch, announcing that you are done using it.

How to make a ham radio distress call:

• Say “Mayday” or send the Morse code signal SOS, followed by information regarding the location (if you know the latitude and longitude) or the exact address of the emergency, the type of emergency you are dealing with, and the type of assistance you need.
• Repeat the distress signal and call sign for several minutes or until you get an answer.
• If there is no answer after a while, try different frequencies. Just remember to announce that you are switching frequencies so that if there is someone who hears you, they know where to follow.

How to respond to a ham radio distress call:

• Record the time and frequency of the call, and proceed to respond by asking what the situation is.
• Record mandatory information, including the latitude/longitude or address of the emergency, the type of problem, what type of assistance is needed, and whatever other information is provided and might help the responders.
• Ask the ones who are broadcasting the emergency to stay on the frequency while you call the appropriate emergency number (usually all situations are handled by 911, regardless of their nature).
• Explain to the dispatcher that you are using a radio and have received a distress call, explaining the nature of the call so that you are allocated to the appropriate agency to receive assistance for the situation at hand.
• Follow the dispatcher’s instructions word for word, and report to the distress station as soon as you can to keep them updated regarding the situation.
• It’s best that you stay on the distress station frequency as long as you can, at least until the authorities that are handling the situation don’t need your assistance anymore.

Top 8 Weather Radios Compared

Photo	Product	Frequency Range	NOAA Alerts	Power/Charged By	Battery Runtime	Highlights	Warranty	Price
Best Overall	1. C. Crane CC2BE	AM: 520-1710 KH/FM: 87.5-108 MHz/Ham: 144-148 MHz/WX: 1-7 CH		4 x D-size batteries; AC	250 hrs.	2-meter Ham band; Clock; Sleep timer; Headphone jack; Display light	1 year	Check Price at Amazon
	2. Kaito KA500	AM: 530 -1710 KH; FM: 88 – 108 MHz; NOAA Weather: 1-7 CH; SW1: 3.20-8.00 MHz; SW2: 9.00-22.00 MHz		Solar power; Dynamo crank; 3 x AA batteries; 5V USB input; 5V AC/DC input	4 hrs.	USB charger; 5-LED reading lamp; LED flashlight; Red LED SOS beacon light	1 year
Editor’s Choice	3. FosPower FOSPWB-2376	AM: 520-1710 KHz/FM: 87 – 108 MHz/WB: 162.400-162.550 MHz		AAA batteries; Solar panel; Manual hand crank	N/A	SOS alarm; IPX-3 waterproof; LED light	Lifetime	Check Price at Amazon
Best for the Hearing Impaired	4. Midland WR120B/WR120EZ	WB: 162.400-162.550 MHz		3 x AA batteries; AC	5 hrs.	LED indicator lights; Directional pad; LED screen; Voice alert	1 year	Check Price at Amazon
Best for Backpacking	5. iRonsnow TS-IS-088-R	AM: 525-1710 KHz /FM: 88-108 MHz /WB: 162.40-162.55 MHz		1000mAh battery; Hank crank; Solar power; USB	N/A	LED flashlight	1 year	Check Price at Amazon
Best for the Money	6. RunningSnail MD-088s	AM: 520-1710 KHz /FM: 87-108 MHz /WB: 162.400-162.550 MHz		Micro USB; Solar panel; Manual hand crank	4-5 hrs.	1W LED flashlight; IPX-3 water-resistant level	1 year	Check Price at Amazon
	7. Esky ES-CR01	AM: 520-1710 KHz /FM: 87-108 MHz /WB: 162.40-162.55 MHz		500mAh lithium battery; USB cable; Solar panel; Hand crank	N/A	Built-in flashlight	1 year	Check Price at Amazon
Best for Emergency Prepardness	8. KOZO-001	AM: 520-1710 KHz /FM: 87-108 MHz /WB: 5.8-10 MHz/SW: 11.6-18.2 MHz		500mAh Lithium battery; AAA Batteries; Solar powered; Manual hand crank	16 hrs.	Siren SOS alarm; Frequency indicator; Telescopic antenna; Earphone jack	1 year	Check Price at Amazon

1. C. Crane CC2BE

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Sound has never been more accurate than with this radio, specially intended to boost weak AM signals and help you stay informed. Able to run for days, even if the power is off, it will catch any alert issued by NOAA through the weather band, so you know what measures you should take to remain safe. The sound level can be adjusted, and you will be able to listen to radio shows or music, which will sound crisp and clear, even if the signal is weak.

Twin-Coil Ferrite AM Antenna

When you are in an isolated area, it can be hard to get a good signal on your radio, and if you find yourself in a situation when the power is off or the communications are limited, you won’t be able to keep up with the news. Luckily, this model comes with a patented technology that uses a performant antenna to enhance your experience in a few simple steps:

• It detects the signal and evaluates it
• Determines which signal is better and locks it in
• Boosts signal power and delivers increased sound quality

Furthermore, it is designed to work on batteries, and a set of 4 Ds will last you for up to 250 hours, which is one of the most extended run periods you will find on this device. An AC power cord is also included, so you can plug it in if you wish to use it daily for music or news.

Highlights

• Battery run time – 250 hours
• Frequency coverage - AM: 520-1710 kHz/FM: 87.5-108 MHz/Ham: 144-148 MHz/WX: 1-7 CH
• Charging method – D-sized batteries
• Warranty – 1-year

2-Meter Ham Band

Vital information regarding weather conditions, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters are issued by NOAA and transmitted via the weather band. With C. Crane CC2BE you will never miss any of these alerts, as it comes with a 2-meter Ham band, designed to catch the signal and increase sound accuracy. Furthermore, it includes many features that will prove useful in daily activities or when emergencies strike:

• Adjustable display light
• Clock alarm
• Sleep timer
• Auto scan
• 5 one-touch memory presets per band

The 5 memory buttons placed on top help you manage stations with ease, while the backlight guides you in the dark, allowing you to adjust the brightness. Moreover, this unit weighs no more than 4 lbs., so can take it on walks or trips.

C. Crane CC2BE Performance – Tester’s Feedback

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2. Kaito KA500

A weather radio is supposed to serve in more ways than one, proving to be a quintessential tool for emergencies, keeping you prepared in case any weather-related disaster is imminent. The Kaito KA500 is one of the best at the moment since it’s not only designed for emergency preparedness applications but normal daily use as well. It even integrates a few features that expand its usability, getting you out of trouble in more situations than you could have hoped for.

• Works as a charger: Use it to power your smartphone, tablet, MP3 player, basically any device that can be charged via the USB port.
• Reading lamp: The 5-LED lamp located on the backside of the solar panel comes in handy for illuminating the pages of your favorite book so that you can have the time pass more pleasantly when you camp.
• Flashlight: Use it as a source of illumination even when there’s no lighting on your path.
• Wide range of broadcasting: Includes 7 preset NOAA stations, AM, FM, shortwave.

The radio is powered by three 600 mAh NiMH rechargeable batteries that you can power in five different ways, namely:

• Solar power via the included 180-degree adjustable solar panel;
• Dynamo hand crank;
• Three AA batteries (these are not included);
• An AC adapter;
• The USB cable that you can hook up to a laptop, for example.

The rubberized housing withstands exposure to rain and generally harsh conditions since it’s weather resistant. The multiple dials and knobs make it fairly intuitive to use even for users who have never had acquaintance with an emergency radio before. In terms of backing, the manufacturer has it covered against defects for 1 year after you make the purchase.

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3. FosPower FOSPWB-2376

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You will never run out of power with this product, as it is not only able to stay always charged thanks to the several incorporated charging methods, but it can provide energy for your phone or tablet when the power goes down. Moreover, it features many attractive features designed to increase its usability and offer you all the necessary information in case of crisis.

The radio’s purpose is to keep you posted with everything that’s happening around you so you can make the best decisions to protect yourself against harsh weather conditions or natural disasters, so it should be running and screening for alerts even when the power is off. With FOSPWB-2376 you won’t ever have to worry that you will remain in the dark, as it features multiple charging methods:

• Solar Panel – permits you to use solar energy to keep your device running
• AAA Batteries - available whenever you cannot charge it by the sun
• Crank lever – offers an inexhaustible source of energy, as it permits you to charge your radio manually

Plus, for daily activities, there is always the plug-in cord that ensures a reliable, long-lasting power source. Two light sources are always available and powered by the same energy sources, a 4-LED reading light and a flashlight that provide a great output for you to find your path in the dark when the emergency strikes.

• Frequency coverage - AM: 520-1710 KHz/FM: 87 – 108 MHz/WB: 162.400-162.550 MHz
• Warranty – Lifetime

When the power goes down, you don’t necessarily have to renounce your tablet or phone, as this radio comes with a 2000mAh power source that can keep small communication devices running for you to keep in touch with your family or be able to call for help if you are hurt or in danger. Moreover, it incorporates other features that will prove useful in these cases:

• NOAA weather broadcasts access
• SOS Alarm
• Weather resistance

Furthermore, it comes with a lifetime guarantee for parts and repairs, so this investment will pay off soon, and you will get long-lasting help that will get you through any emergency, keeping you safe and in touch with your loved ones. It even exceeds the C. Crane CC2BE when it comes to warranty length, which says a lot considering that the aforementioned is the top weather radio at the moment, produced by what all experts consider the leading manufacturer on this market.

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4. Midland WR120B/WR120EZ

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Designed not to miss any important event, this radio links to no less than 7 NOAA channels and alerts you every time a warning is issued for your area. You will be able to avoid getting caught in the middle of hurricanes or floods, and this device may even save your life as it powers on instantly every time it gets an alert.

• Battery run time – 5 hours
• Frequency coverage – WB: 162.400-162.550 MHz
• Charging method – AA batteries
• Warranty – 1-year

It is practically impossible to be always alert and listen to the radio. Moreover, you may not be next to it when the alert is issued, so a device that can do a lot of noise and signal the emergency both visual and through sounds is more than welcomed. This radio turns on every time weather becomes threatening around you and alerts you through 3 methods:

• 90 dB Siren – loud enough to wake you up
• Voice Alert – repeats the alert multiple times
• Flashing LED – great for noisy environments, where the siren may get covered by other noises

More important than getting information is getting pertinent information, and this proves possible with this Midland product thanks to its incorporated S.A.M.E. alert programming that only triggers the alarm if the natural disaster is happening in specific counties that are close to you. This way, you won’t have to constantly screen through interminable alerts to find the one that targets your area. Furthermore, it alerts you on over 60 natural emergencies, so you can protect yourself against:

• Tornados
• Floods
• Fires
• Earthquakes
• Snow Storms

Other useful features are the built-in clock with alarm and snooze function, the alert level indicator, which uses 3 colors to show how serious the emergency is, and the LCD screen designed to assist you with alarm customization and other settings.

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5. iRonsnow TS-IS-088-R

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This compact radio will save you a lot of trouble during hurricane season by informing you when a natural hazard approaches your area. Designed to follow NOAA broadcasts, it comes with a performant antenna that extends and traps signals for better and more accurate transmission. Moreover, you can use it as an entertainment source as it offers access to FM/ AM bands so you can listen to music or radio shows.

If you find yourself in an isolated area, away from your family and friends, you might want to contact them and let them know that you are all right when a disaster hits your county. Here’s where a power bank proves useful as it can provide energy for your phone. Moreover, the radio will stay powered and will keep you up to date thanks to its numerous incorporated power options:

• Micro USB
• Solar Panel
• Hand Crank

A 3-LED flashlight is also available, and it produces good output, so you can see in the dark if you are camping or the power is down in your house. Moreover, it weighs only 7.84 ounces, so you won’t even feel you are carrying it around in your bag.

• Power Consumption – 0.5W
• Frequency coverage – AM: 525-1710 KHz /FM: 88-108 MHz /WB: 162.40-162.55 MHz
• Warranty – 1-year

It has access to NOAA weather reports, and it is equipped with everything it needs to stay running and alert, so you don’t miss any life-saving information. Furthermore, it comes at an accessible price and is backed by a 1-year warranty, so we would say this is a safe, long-term investment.

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6. RunningSnail MD-088s

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When disaster strikes, you will first want to find a retreat for yourself and then let your loved ones know that you are safe. However, hazards often come with power outages, and if your phone isn’t charged you may lose contact with your family. This is the reason, MD-088s was equipped with a 1000mAh power bank that can charge an iPhone or phone by using the Micro-USB cable and permits you to transmit and receive important information.

• Battery run time – 4-5 hours
• Frequency coverage – AM: 520-1710 kHz /FM: 87-108 MHz /WB: 162.400-162.550 MHz
• Warranty – 1-year

It’s very small and lightweight, just like the iRonsnow TS-IS-088-R, so it makes for a dependable buddy when you’re hiking or backpacking. It is ready for any natural hazards, and it won’t stop screening for alerts even when the whole area runs out of power. Provided with 3 charging methods, you will be able to use it practically for an infinite amount of time, so it will prove extremely useful, especially if you find yourself in an isolated area:

• Micro USB – powers the internal battery and permits it to run for hours
• Solar Panel – captures solar energy for power
• Hand Crank – best energy source, as it only needs a bit of your muscle force to charge the internal battery

It is linked to NOAA channels, so it will transmit weather alerts as soon as they are issued. Furthermore, it is compact and lightweight, so you can easily throw it in your bag every time you go on a trip, especially if it implies mountain roads or the crossing of isolated areas. The 1W LED will provide light whenever there’s no power, and you will be able to listen to music and keep your family entertains, as it catches AM/FM stations as well.

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7. Esky ES-CR01

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This is both an emergency radio and a flashlight, and you will find its powerful light output of 140 lumens more than sufficient in moments of crisis when the storm hits and all the lights go down. Designed to be carried around, it is compact and lightweight, so you can easily take it with you to your shelter and remain informed until the danger passes.

• Power Consumption – 3W
• Frequency coverage – AM: 520-1710 KHz /FM: 87-108 MHz /WB: 162.40-162.55MHz
• Charging method – 1000mAh Lithium battery/USB/Solar panel/Manual hand crank
• Warranty – 1-year

Reliable information is what matters the most, and with Esky ES-CR01 you will get the weather reports no matter if they are broadcasted by NOAA or local/ national radio news stations. This will help you prepare and hide if one of the following disasters threatens your area:

• Earthquakes
• Fires
• Extreme Cold
• Thunder Storms
• Hurricanes

Depending on the situation, you may need to charge your battery in different ways. Blackouts often accompany a natural hazard and the usual outlet charging won’t work in these situations. However, Esky ES-CR01 is specially designed to stay powered no matter if there’s no power or you find yourself lost into the wild, through 3 innovative charging methods:

• Rechargeable 1,000 mAh Lithium Battery – delivers up to 16 hours of continual run
• Solar Panel – transforms solar energy into electrical energy
• USB ports – for conventional charging
• Hand Crank – provides kinetic energy that is transformed into electric power

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8. KOZO-001

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If you like spending time outdoors and camping is one of your passions, you need this radio. Compact enough to be easily carried in a bag but efficient as a large radio station, it will capture signals even if you find yourself in a mountain village or other isolated areas. Equipped with a 15-inch antenna, it doesn’t distort the sound, allowing you to understand the alarms.

Whenever the NOAA issues an alert regarding a natural hazard, this radio will let you know. It features a high sound level that permits you to hear the news even if outside it is raining heavily or your house is in the middle of a thunderstorm. This way, you can stay informed about life-threatening weather conditions such as:

• Tornados
• Tsunami
• Extreme Cold
• Earthquakes
• Snow Storms

Besides, the powerful LED flashlight will guide you through your house or yard for last minutes preparations when the power is down. It also integrates a USB input so that you can charge your phone to reach loved ones when needed.

• Battery run time – 16 hours
• Frequency coverage – AM: 520-1710 KHz /FM: 87-108 MHz /WB: 5.8-10 MHz/SW: 11.6-18.2 MHz
• Warranty – 1-year

It offers you multiple charging methods so you can keep it always powered and receive the ultimate information. Even if the storm has caused a blackout or if you are in a space where there are no power sources available, it has a way of staying connected to the NOAA reports:

• Rechargeable 500mAh Lithium Battery – offers up to 16 hours of continual run
• Solar Panel – grants you a natural way to charge the battery
• AAA Batteries – can be used on trips, when the sun isn’t strong enough
• Hand Crank – practically an infinite energy source, as you only need to crank 130 circles to get 30 minutes of energy

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

Weather radios are real life-savers for people living in areas where natural disasters are an often occurrence. Equipped with alarms and light-signaling systems, they follow the NOAA alerts and let you know whenever your home is threatened by a tornado, an earthquake, or other hazards. Intended for emergencies, they feature multiple charging methods, allowing you to always get the necessary information.

Best weather radio for sale: C. Crane CC2BE

In terms of sound accuracy and radio reception, C. Crane CC2BE proves to be among the most dependable models. Fitted with a performant antenna that catches even weaker signals and boosts them, and a 2-meter Ham band, it follows the alarms signaled by NOAA and alerts you in time to take precautions and find a safe space for you and your family.

It is one of the most bidding models in terms of features as well. It comes with an alarm clock that you can set to help you wake up at the desired time, a sleep timer that helps preserve battery life, as well as 5 pre-sets per band that you can call at the touch of a button – and these are only some of the features you get to enjoy!

Editor’s choice: FosPower FOSPWB-2376

If you seek a device that can not only offer you constant weather information but provide you with extra power for emergency calls whenever your phone runs out of power, we recommend FosPower FOSPWB-2376. Equipped with a 2000mAh power bank that can keep a phone or a small tabled powered, and offering 3 charging methods, this is your best option if you find yourself in an isolated area or camping when the storm hits.

Best weather radio for hearing impaired: Midland WR120B/WR120EZ

Midland WR120B/WR120EZ gained popularity due to its versatility and alert efficiency. Connected to 7 NOAA channels it delivers the information as soon as it is broadcasted, and it signals you through a siren, voice, and flashlights, so you can take shelter any time a life-threatening disaster is approaching you. However, what we consider to be its best trait is the fact that the alarm it sends out can reach up to 90 decibels, meaning that even those who have impaired hearing are made aware of emergencies.

Best weather radio for emergency preparedness: Kozo-001

In emergencies, you must stay alert as every second makes a huge difference. But when it comes to most dire situations, the ultimate problem is learning of their existence well beyond the point where you can safely take protective measures. With the Kozo-001 this won’t be a scenario to worry about anymore as it sends off a loud signal when the NOAA issues alerts regarding snowstorms, tsunamis, extreme cold, tornados, and earthquakes.

Best weather radio for backpacking: iRonsnow TS-IS-088-R

There are a few criteria the radio must fulfill to be a good backpacking “buddy” – small size, lightweight design, water resistance, versatile charging variants, and broad signal. The iRonsnow is the go-to for hikers and backpackers looking to stay knowledgeable regarding potentially dangerous weather conditions as it fulfills all the aforementioned conditions. Furthermore, it can be utilized as a normal FM/AM radio for entertainment purposes, and it even integrates a LED flashlight to see in the dark.

Best weather radio for the money: RunningSnail MD-088s

Cash is short at times, but it doesn’t mean that if your budget isn’t all that great you can’t invest in the tools you need. The RunningSnail keeps you alert in case any weather conditions or phenomenon arise that can put you in peril, all at a fraction of the cost other weather radios come at. Moreover, it makes for a trusty companion regardless of your situation, even if you are isolated, as it can be powered via the hand crank or solar power.