Most Central Texans know firsthand how unpredictable our weather can be. With continuous new technology and numerous notification systems available, it can be difficult to know the best place to look for the most up-to-date information.
Our mobile devices make it easier than ever to receive weather alerts and emergency messages in real-time. Cell phone providers allow automated alerts to be pushed directly to our phones, and a growing number of services provide weather alerts though text messaging (SMS), email, phone calls and apps. Here’s a breakdown of alerts that you should know about:
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
Most people have received automatic messages about flash flooding accompanied by a loud ringer or vibration on their phone — these are notifications through the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system, which automatically pushes weather alerts from the National Weather Service directly to your phone through a location-based technology. No opt-in is required for these important messages.
In addition to WEA, there are other region-specific services that allow users to create an account, opt-in, and receive alerts. Sign up for these alert systems today to receive important local updates in Round Rock:
Warn Central Texas
- Web-based regional notification system to alert the public to emergency and non-emergency situations
- User chooses what type(s) of alerts they want to receive and how they want to receive the alerts, such as text message, phone call and/or email
- Alerts are sent based off the location that was used to register for an account
- System was updated in October 2018 — learn more and update your contact information
- To register:Â warncentraltexas.org
WILCO Ready App
- Helps citizens of Williamson County to stay prepared and protect loved ones in an emergency
- You can create your family emergency plan
- Live information on evacuation routes and shelters
- Library of emergency preparedness guides
- To register:Â readydl.com/wilco-ready
Don’t forget to check tried and true methods to receive weather information such as television, broadcast radio, and NOAA All-Hazards Radio.
As you can see, there are many ways people can be alerted when it comes to severe weather. Users can utilize multiple alerting tools to ensure they are covered wherever they go. With so many methods made widely available in multiple languages, we are able to be a more prepared community. Be ready, Round Rock!
