As Severe Weather Preparedness Week continues in North Carolina, today’s focus is one of the most important parts of storm safety:

How will you receive the warning?

When severe weather threatens Rowan County, seconds matter. Having multiple ways to receive alerts can make the difference between being caught off guard and taking action in time.

Let’s walk through the most reliable alert methods — and why you should never depend on just one.

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

Wireless Emergency Alerts are the loud, attention-grabbing alerts sent directly to your cell phone.

You do not need to download an app to receive them.

These alerts are:

• Issued for Tornado Warnings and other life-threatening emergencies

• Automatically sent to compatible cell phones in the warned area

• Designed to wake you up and get your attention immediately

Make sure emergency alerts are enabled in your phone’s notification settings.

NOAA Weather Radios

A NOAA Weather Radio is one of the most dependable tools you can own.

These radios:

• Receive alerts directly from the National Weather Service

• Sound an alarm when warnings are issued

• Work even if cell service is disrupted

• Can wake you up in the middle of the night

Battery backup models are especially valuable during power outages.

For overnight severe weather, a weather radio can be a lifesaver.

Local Media & Trusted Online Sources

Local coverage adds critical context to warnings.

Trusted sources include:

• Local meteorologists

• Reliable weather websites

• Emergency management updates

• Rowan County Weather

These platforms provide:

• Radar updates

• Storm timing

• Impact details

• Real-time local reports

While social media can spread information quickly, always verify that your source is credible and accurate.

Why You Should Never Rely on Just One Method

Technology can fail.

• Cell service can drop.

• Power can go out.

• Internet can go down.

If you rely on only one alert method, you increase your risk of missing a warning.

The safest approach is layered protection:

• Cell phone alerts
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Local coverage
• Awareness of the forecast

Multiple alert methods provide redundancy — and redundancy saves lives.

Statewide Tornado Drill Information

North Carolina will conduct its annual statewide tornado drill this week.

Drill Details:

When: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.
Where: All of North Carolina
How: The drill will use the Routine Monthly Test (RMT) code

The drill will simulate a Tornado Warning being issued across the state.

How to Use the Drill

This is a great opportunity to practice your safety plan:

• Identify your safe place.

• Practice moving there quickly.

• Review procedures at school or work.

• Make sure everyone in your household understands what to do.

Treat the drill as if it were a real warning.

Preparation is not panic — it’s protection.

Tomorrow, we’ll focus on staying safe when high winds, hail, and tornadoes strike.

Stay weather aware, Rowan County.